Ross operation in children: late results.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Although the Ross operation has become the accepted aortic valve replacement in children, the long-term fate of the pulmonary autograft valve remains unknown. To assess mid-term and late results of autograft valve durability, patient survival and valve-related morbidity, a retrospective review of patients (age range: 3 days to 17 years) having a Ross operation between November 1986 and May 2001 were reviewed. METHODS: Medical records and patient contacts with all but two of 167 current survivors of 178 consecutive patients having an aortic valve replacement as a Ross operation have been completed during the past two years. The most recent echocardiographic evaluation was reviewed for autograft valve and homograft valve function. RESULTS: Operative mortality was 4.5% (8/178), with three late deaths (two were non-valve-related) for an actuarial survival of 92+/-3% at 12 years. Actuarial freedom from autograft valve degeneration (reoperation or severe insufficiency of autograft valve or valve-related death) was 90+/-4% at 12 years. Autograft valve degeneration was not affected by technique of insertion (141 root replacement, 37 intra-aortic), aortic valve morphology (157 bicuspid or unicuspid, 26 tricuspid), or age at operation. Autograft valve degeneration was worse in patients with a primary lesion of aortic insufficiency than in those with aortic stenosis (p = 0.03). Autograft valve reoperation was required in 12 patients, with autograft valve replacement in seven. Actuarial freedom from autograft replacement was 93+/-3% at 12 years. Homograft valve replacement was required in seven patients, with actuarial freedom from replacement of 90+/-4% at 12 years. Eight additional patients have homograft valve obstruction (gradient > or =50 mmHg), and seven have severe pulmonary insufficiency. CONCLUSION: Survival and freedom from aortic valve replacement are excellent in children. Homograft valve late function remains a concern, and efforts to improve homograft durability should be encouraged.