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Ann Thorac Surg 1996;62:450-455
© 1996 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons


Original Articles: Cardiovascular

Pulmonary Autograft Reoperation: Incidence and Management

Ronald C. Elkins, MD, Mary M. Lane, PhD, Carolyn McCue, RN

Section of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma


    Abstract
 Top
 Footnotes
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Material and Methods
 Results
 Comment
 References
 
Background. Pulmonary autograft replacement of the aortic valve is accepted in the young, those with an active life style, and those who are not candidates for anticoagulation. However, concern remains about autograft or homograft valve failure.

Methods. One hundred ninety-five operative survivors of the Ross operation (August 1986 through December 1995) were reviewed for operative pathology and factors associated with reoperation or valve dysfunction.

Results. Actuarial freedom from reoperation (autograft or homograft) is 89% ± 3% at 5 years, 92% ± 3% for the autograft alone. Early autograft valve failures (<6 months) were due to technical error in 2 patients and persistent endocarditis in 1. Late autograft valve failure (1 to 6.2 years) was due to aortic annulus dilatation in 5 patients, bacterial endocarditis in 1, and valve degeneration in 2. Six autograft valves were replaced and five were repaired. Five patients required reoperation for pulmonary homograft stenosis (1 to 5.4 years) involving obstruction of the conduit distal to the pulmonary valve.

Conclusions. Pulmonary autograft replacement of the aortic valve has a low incidence of reoperation for autograft dysfunction or homograft obstruction. Autograft dysfunction can be corrected by autograft repair in patients with central insufficiency and aortic annular dilatation.


    Introduction
 Top
 Footnotes
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Material and Methods
 Results
 Comment
 References
 
See also page 455.

Pulmonary autograft replacement of the aortic valve, introduced in 1967 by Ross [1], has had increasing acceptance by patients and physicians. Avoidance of anticoagulation, freedom from the risk of thromboembolism, and growth of the autograft proportional to the somatic growth of the child or young adult are features that commend this operation. The hemodynamic performance of the pulmonary autograft valve is similar to that of the native normal aortic valve due to its similar anatomy and size. These very attractive features are counterbalanced by the increased technical difficulty of the operation and the risk of early and late valve failure requiring reoperation for either the autograft valve or the homograft right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction.

Ross and associates [2] have reported the late results in 339 autograft patients, with freedom from autograft replacement of 85% at 20 years and a freedom from all valve-related events of 70% at 20 years. In recent years the Ross operation has increasingly used implantation of the autograft as a root replacement, and there is almost universal acceptance of the pulmonary homograft for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction [3, 4]. Most of these homografts have been cryopreserved and have some degree of viability of donor cells, which may affect the fate of the homograft [5]. To assess a more recent experience, one in which multiple operative techniques were performed, and to identify possible technical and patient-related factors that might be related to autograft failure, we reviewed our experience since 1986.


    Material and Methods
 Top
 Footnotes
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Material and Methods
 Results
 Comment
 References
 
Between August 1986 and December 1995, 206 patients have had a pulmonary autograft replacement of their aortic valve at our institution or by the primary surgeon (Elkins). One hundred twenty-two were done as a root replacement, 58 as an inclusion cylinder and 26 as a scalloped subcoronary implant. Age at the time of the Ross operation was 8 months to 62 years, and the range of total follow-up on these patients has been 1 month to 9.3 years with a median of 2.4 years. A retrospective review of the medical records of the 195 operative survivors was accomplished, and recent contact with all patients has occurred, by phone or clinical visit, within the past 12 months. The medical records, including operative notes, preoperative catheterization data, angiocardiograms, and all preoperative and postoperative echocardiograms, were reviewed to identify patient and operative factors that may be associated with autograft or homograft reoperation. Sixteen patients have required reoperation for autograft valve or pulmonary homograft valve dysfunction. Eleven of the patients required reoperation for autograft dysfunction and 5 for homograft obstruction. Sixteen additional patients have 2+ autograft insufficiency by two or more recent echocardiograms.

The outcomes evaluated were reoperation of autograft or homograft valve and the development of consistent 2+ autograft valve insufficiency. Patient characteristics and operative factors evaluated for possible association with outcomes included age, sex, autograft implantation technique, use of cuff reinforcement of annulus, previous median sternotomy, concomitant procedures, preoperative presence of bacterial endocarditis, year of operation, intraoperative measurement of aortic annulus size, and preoperative diagnosis of aortic insufficiency or aortic stenosis.

Categoric variables were tested for association with outcomes using maximum-likelihood {chi}2 tests. Ordered categoric variables were evaluated using Mantel-Hanzel {chi}2, and continuous variables were tested using univariate logistic regression and maximum-likelihood {chi}2. Multiple logistic regression was used to develop multivariable models. Forward stepwise selection of variables was used, with a criterion of p less than 0.10 for entry into the model. SAS software version 6.10 (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC) was used for all statistical tests. The degree to which the logistic regression model discriminated between positive and negative outcomes was estimated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [6]. The statistic ranges from 0.5 for a model with no discriminating ability to 1.0 for a model that discriminates perfectly. Actuarial analysis was accomplished using Kaplan-Meier estimation methods, and p values for differences between distributions were obtained by log-rank testing.


    Results
 Top
 Footnotes
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Material and Methods
 Results
 Comment
 References
 
Actuarial freedom from reoperation in this series of patients was 89% ± 3% at 5 years (Fig 1Go), with freedom from reoperation on the autograft valve of 92% ± 3% at 5 years (Fig 2Go) and freedom from reoperation on the homograft reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract of 95% ± 2% at 5 years (Fig 3Go).



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Fig 1. . Actuarial freedom from reoperation in 195 patients after a Ross operation (August 1986 to December 1995). Percentage survival ± 1 standard error of the mean is shown.

 


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Fig 2. . Actuarial freedom from reoperation on pulmonary autograft valve. Percentage survival ± 1 standard error of the mean is shown.

 


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Fig 3. . Actuarial freedom from reoperation on homograft reconstruction of right ventricular outflow tract. Percentage survival ± 1 standard error of the mean is shown.

 
Review of Reoperations on Autograft Valve
Of the patients who required autograft reoperation, 4 originally had an autograft root replacement, 4 had an inclusion cylinder, and 3 had a scalloped subcoronary implant. The interval from Ross operation to reoperation was 2 months to 6.2 years. Three patients required reoperation within 6 months (early reoperation) of their autograft, 1 for persistent bacterial endocarditis and progressive aortic valve insufficiency, 1 for a technical error at the time of insertion of a scalloped subcoronary implant, and 1 for progressive dilatation of the aortic annulus with central autograft valve insufficiency in a root replacement. Autograft insufficiency developed in 8 patients, who required autograft reoperation from 1 to 6.2 years after the Ross operation. Echocardiography demonstrated a central jet of autograft valve insufficiency and annular dilatation in 5 patients. Valve degeneration was identified in 2 patients, 1 with systemic lupus erythematosus and 1 with aortic valve leaflet prolapse with adherence of this leaflet to a ventricular septal defect patch. Bacterial endocarditis developed in 1 patient 6.2 years postoperatively and was probably associated with intravenous drug abuse.

AUTOGRAFT VALVE.
Autograft valve dysfunction leading to early reoperation in this series was due to persistent endocarditis in 1 patient and technical errors in 2. In 1, malalignment of the autograft valve commissures in a scalloped subcoronary implant led to leaflet prolapse and progressive autograft insufficiency. This patient underwent the second Ross operation in this series, and this technical error was part of the learning curve associated with this operation. In the other, pulmonary autograft root implantation was performed in a patient with an ascending aortic aneurysm, bicuspid aortic valve with severe aortic insufficiency and mild aortic stenosis, and a 23-mm aortic annulus. The intraoperative echocardiogram demonstrated 1 to 2+ autograft insufficiency. This insufficiency progressed, and by 2 months after the operation, the patient had 3 to 4+ autograft insufficiency and aortic annulus dilatation to 27 mm. A reduction annuloplasty to 20 mm and commissural annuloplasty was successful in reestablishing autograft function with minimal autograft insufficiency. The intraoperative echocardiographic detection of more than trace to 1+ autograft insufficiency after an autograft root replacement is highly unusual, and failure to address this probably contributed to the need for early reoperation in this patient.

Late autograft reoperation (more than 1 year after operation) occurred in 8 patients. In 3, autograft dysfunction leading to reoperation was related to patient factors and operative technique did not appear to play a role. Valve dysfunction was associated with bacterial endocarditis in 1, with systemic lupus erythematosus in 1, and with prolapse of the right coronary leaflet with adherence to a ventricular septal defect patch in the other. Two of these valves were inserted as inclusion cylinders and one as a root replacement. In the remaining 5 patients, a combination of operative and patient factors appear to be related to the autograft failure. Three patients had significant aortic annulus dilatation (aortic annulus diameter Z value greater than +2) and ascending aortic dilatation before autograft insertion. In 1 the autograft was inserted as a scalloped subcoronary implant, in 1 as an inclusion cylinder, and in the other a root replacement was performed. Intraoperative echocardiography demonstrated 1 to 2+ autograft insufficiency. Follow-up evaluation showed progressive aortic insufficiency, and reoperation was required at 2.1, 4.4 and 5.4 years after Ross operation. In 2 patients the autograft was repaired, and in the other it was subsequently replaced after a failed repair. In light of this and more recent experience, these patients would have a reduction annuloplasty of their aortic annulus, fixation of the size of their aortic annulus, and an aortoplasty at the time of autograft replacement of their aortic valve at our institution [7].

Two patients had bicuspid aortic valve disease with aortic stenosis and only 1+ aortic insufficiency. Their ascending aortas appeared normal at the time of autograft insertion. The autografts were inserted as an inclusion cylinder in 1 and as a root replacement in 1. Autograft insufficiency was thought to be trace or mild by intraoperative echocardiography. Reoperation for progressive autograft insufficiency was required at 1 and 1.4 years after Ross operation. At the time of reoperation, aortic annular and sinotubular ridge dilatation was identified in 1 and only aortic annular dilatation in the other. Mild leaflet thickening was also noted but no evidence of leaflet thinning or leaflet perforation. Successful repair of these two valves was accomplished by reduction annuloplasty and insertion of a Dacron graft to decrease the circumference of the sinotubular junction in 1. The possible role of operative technique of autograft insertion in contributing to the late autograft dysfunction in these 2 patients cannot be determined. Certainly, malalignment of the commissures in the inclusion cylinder implants may have contributed to the autograft failure; however, evidence of leaflet prolapse was not seen at reoperation or by echocardiography. The relatively early failure of the root replacement in a patient thought to have a normal ascending aorta and aortic annulus size at the time of autograft insertion is difficult to understand, particularly in view of the excellent autograft function seen in most patients with an autograft root replacement.

Preoperative assessment of the pulmonary valve before autograft translocation has been by echocardiography in all patients and by careful visual inspection at the time of operation. We have not performed a Ross operation in those patients with a bicuspid pulmonary valve, significant leaflet fenestrations, or other abnormality of the pulmonary leaflets or sinuses. Preoperative echocardiographic finding of more than trace pulmonary insufficiency would alert us to carefully evaluate the suitability of this valve. None of the autograft valves requiring reoperation were noted to have significant abnormality before the Ross operation.

In patients with aortic annular dilatation and sinotubular dilatation associated with central autograft valve insufficiency, operative repair has been accomplished with a reduction annuloplasty as described by Carpentier [8]. Two pursestring sutures are placed at the autograft annulus at the nadir of the coronary sinuses and below the annulus in the interleaflet triangles and tied over a Teflon felt pledget in the noncoronary sinus [7]. Additional sutures may be necessary at individual commissures if leaflet prolapse must be repaired, and we use the technique described by Cabrol and associates [9].

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS.
Univariate analysis for operative and patient-related factors for outcome defined as reoperation on the autograft valve identified no variables that had a p value less than 0.05. For p less than 0.10, univariate associations with implantation technique and year of operation were seen (Table 1Go). Multiple logistic regression analysis for this outcome identified only implantation technique (root replacement, inclusion cylinder, scalloped subcoronary) with a p value of 0.069. Year of operation was not significant (p = 0.35) after entry of implantation technique, probably because the root replacement technique was introduced later than scalloped subcoronary technique and its use has steadily increased.


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Table 1. . Univariate Associations for Outcome: Reoperation on Autograft
 
When the definition of outcome was expanded to include echocardiographically demonstrated aortic insufficiency of 2+ or greater as well as autograft reoperation, significant univariate associations were found for preoperative diagnosis of aortic stenosis, implantation technique, previous median sternotomy, and year of operation (Table 2Go). A significant multivariate association was found for a combination of three of these variables: preoperative diagnosis of aortic stenosis, implantation technique (intraaortic versus root replacement), and previous median sternotomy (Table 3Go). This suggests that patients with aortic stenosis as part of the operative indication are at a lower risk of autograft reoperation or the development of echocardiographically demonstrated aortic insufficiency than those patients with aortic insufficiency as their valve lesion. Also, patients having their autograft aortic valve replacement as a root replacement are at a lower risk for the same outcome. When the apparent lower risk of patients with previous median sternotomy is examined closely, interaction with the diagnosis of aortic stenosis is found (Fig 4Go). The "protective" effect of previous median sternotomy is present only for patients with aortic stenosis and has no obvious effect on the risk for aortic insufficiency patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for this model is 0.77.


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Table 2. . Univariate Associations for Outcome: Freedom From 2+ Autograft Insufficiency or Reoperation on Autograft
 

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Table 3. . Multiple Logistic Regression Results for Outcome: Freedom from 2+ Autograft Insufficiency or Reoperation on Autograft
 


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Fig 4. . Interaction of previous median sternotomy and preoperative (Preop) diagnosis of aortic stenosis (AS). Patients with preoperative AS and previous median sternotomy are less likely to require reoperation on the autograft valve or to have development of 2+ autograft insufficiency (AI). (AG = autograft valve; N = no; Reop = reoperation; Y = yes.)

 
Homograft Valves
Pulmonary homografts have been used for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in all but 3 of our patients. In the 195 survivors, reoperation for homograft obstruction has been required in five of the pulmonary homografts. Obstruction of the arterial conduit distal to the pulmonary homograft valve was identified in all. Homograft replacement was accomplished in 4 patients and a patch angioplasty was used in the fifth patient. Three of the homograft patients have had no recurrence of their homograft stenosis 4.5, 0.6, and 0.3 years after replacement. The patient treated by patch angioplasty required homograft replacement 2 years postoperatively for recurrent stenosis. Restenosis has developed in one homograft re-replacement, which has been palliated with intravascular stent placement and balloon angioplasty.


    Comment
 Top
 Footnotes
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Material and Methods
 Results
 Comment
 References
 
The rationale for replacing the aortic valve with the pulmonary autograft has been stated clearly by Ross and others [3, 10, 11], but wide acceptance has been slow to occur because of the fear of autograft and homograft failure and an increased operative risk. The original reports identified an incidence of operative failure of the autograft and an increased operative risk. With the development of more reliable techniques for insertion of the autograft and better understanding of the surgical anatomy of the pulmonary root and the adjacent coronary circulation, operative risk and early autograft failure have significantly decreased [3, 12]. Late valve failure requiring reoperation is the only significant late morbidity of this operative procedure, and technical or patient-related factors that are associated with the need for reoperation have not been well described.

The surgeon's ability to translocate the pulmonary valve as an anatomic unit or in a manner such that normal leaflet coaptation is maintained affects the early and late occurrence of valve dysfunction. The autograft root replacement used by Gerosa and associates [13] and Stelzer and colleagues [14] ensures insertion of the autograft valve as an anatomic unit and should have a decreased incidence of failure. Logistic regression analysis of outcome of our patients did not find a significant difference between operative technique at p less than 0.05 until the definition of outcome was extended to include 2+ or more aortic insufficiency, an outcome that may be predictive of reoperation. In two of the three root replacements, intraoperative assessment of aortic annulus size or anatomy of the left ventricular outflow tract would not have predicted relatively early valve failure. In 1 patient, annulus reduction and fixation was probably indicated at the time of the original operation, and this could have eliminated or delayed valve failure in this patient. Two additional patients in this series, one with a scalloped subcoronary and one with an inclusion cylinder implant, had annular dilatation at the time of operative insertion of their autograft, and annular reduction and fixation were probably also indicated in these.

With the increase in the number of Ross operations and the number of surgeons performing these procedures, the autograft root replacement is the most popular and appears to have a reduced incidence of early failure (Oury JH, personal communication, 1996). Logistic regression analysis in our patients demonstrates a lower risk of autograft reoperation for the patients with root replacements at a p value less than 0.1. When reoperation and autograft insufficiency of 2+ or more are combined as an outcome, the p value became less than 0.05 for both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Although echocardiographic demonstration of 2+ autograft insufficiency is not associated with symptoms and may not lead to reoperation, it appears to be part of a larger pattern of the spectrum of outcomes that may be predictive of reoperation at the extreme end of the spectrum. To date, only 8 years of follow-up is available in patients who have had an autograft root replacement, and if our data can be confirmed and this technique proves to be as durable as the intraaortic implant, this enthusiasm for the root replacement will be justified.

The demonstration of the increased risk for autograft reoperation or the development of autograft valve insufficiency in patients with the preoperative diagnosis of aortic insufficiency has confirmed a clinical impression that aortic annular dilatation and central autograft insufficiency are likely to develop in these patients and require autograft reoperation. Although intraoperative aortic annulus size was not a significant predictor of outcome, careful review of the patients in our series in whom 2 to 3+ autograft insufficiency has developed but who have not required reoperation leads us to recommend an aortic annulus reduction and fixation of the annulus size at the time of the Ross operation for patients with dilated annulus.

Reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract is usually accomplished with an allograft valve, and most surgeons use a pulmonary homograft. This choice has been confirmed by the reports by Bando and associates [15] and Clarke and Bishop [16] that have shown a decreased failure rate in cryopreserved pulmonary homografts when compared with aortic homografts. Accelerated degeneration has been seen in patients less than 1 year of age [16] and occasionally in adult autograft patients [17]. This accelerated degeneration may be related to host immunologic response, but this is unproven. Most of the early failures of the homografts used in patients having a Ross operation are in cryopreserved allografts, and Ross [18] has not seen accelerated degeneration in patients reconstructed with a cadaveric, antibiotic-sterilized homograft. In the patient in whom homograft failure develops, replacement is a relatively uncomplicated procedure, and replacement with a pulmonary homograft has provided a satisfactory solution. It is apparent that a rare patient will have another episode of accelerated degeneration; in this situation the surgeon probably should replace the homograft with a cadaveric, nonviable valve or, if a cryopreserved homograft is used, the patient should be treated with immunosuppressives.


    Footnotes
 Top
 Footnotes
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Material and Methods
 Results
 Comment
 References
 
Presented at the Thirty-second Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Orlando, FL, Jan 29-31, 1996.

Address reprint requests to Dr Elkins, Section of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, PO Box 26901, Oklahoma City, OK 73190.


    References
 Top
 Footnotes
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Material and Methods
 Results
 Comment
 References
 

  1. Ross DN. Replacement of aortic and mitral valves with a pulmonary autograft. Lancet 1967;2:956–8.[Medline]
  2. Ross D, Jackson M, Davies J. Pulmonary autograft aortic valve replacement: long-term results. J Cardiac Surg 1991;6:529–33.[Medline]
  3. Kouchoukos NT, Davila-Roman VG, Spray TL, Murphy SF, Perrillo JB. Replacement of the aortic root with a pulmonary autograft in children and young adults with aortic valve disease. N Engl J Med 1994;330:1–6.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  4. Elkins RC, Knott-Craig CJ, Ward KE, McCue C, Lane MM. Pulmonary autograft in children: realized growth potential. Ann Thorac Surg 1994;57:1387–94.[Abstract]
  5. Bodnar E, Matsuki O, Parker R, Ross DN. Viable and nonviable aortic homografts in the subcoronary position: a comparative study. Ann Thorac Surg 1989;47:799–805.[Abstract]
  6. Hanley JA, McNeil BJ. The meaning and use of the area under a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Radiology 1982;143:29–36.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  7. Elkins RC, Knott-Craig CJ, Howell CE. Pulmonary autografts in patients with aortic annulus dysplasia. Ann Thorac Surg 1996;61:1141–5.
  8. Carpentier A. Cardiac valve surgery-the "French correction." J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1983;86:323–37.[Medline]
  9. Cabrol C, Cabrol A, Guiraudon G, Bertrand M. Treatment of aortic insufficiency by means of aortic annuloplasty. Le traitement de l'sufficance aortique par l'annuloplastie aortique. Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss 1966;59:1305–12.[Medline]
  10. Ross D, Jackson M, Davies J. The pulmonary autograft-a permanent aortic valve. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 1992;6:113–7.[Abstract]
  11. Elkins RC. Pulmonary autograft-the optimal substitute for the aortic valve? N Engl J Med 1994;330:59–60.[Free Full Text]
  12. Robles A, Vaughan M, Lau JK, Bodnar E, Ross DN. Long-term assessment of aortic valve replacement with autologous pulmonary valve. Ann Thorac Surg 1985;39:238–42.[Abstract]
  13. Gerosa G, McKay R, Ross DN. Replacement of the aortic valve or root with a pulmonary autograft in children. Ann Thorac Surg 1991;51:424–9.[Abstract]
  14. Stelzer P, Jones DJ, Elkins RC. Aortic root replacement with pulmonary autograft. Circulation 1989;80(Suppl 3):209–13.
  15. Bando K, Danielson GK, Schaff HV, Mair DD, Julsrud PR, Puga FJ. Outcome of pulmonary and aortic homografts for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1995;109:509–18.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  16. Clarke DR, Bishop DA. Ten year experience with pulmonary allografts in children. J Heart Valve Dis 1995;4:384–91.[Medline]
  17. Elkins RC, Knott-Craig CJ, Razook JD, Ward KE, Overholt ED, Lane MM. Pulmonary autograft replacement of the aortic valve in the potential parent. J Cardiac Surg 1994;9:198–203.[Medline]
  18. Ross DN. Aortic and pulmonary homografts for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction. J Heart Valve Dis 1995;4:396–7.[Medline]

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Eur. J. Cardiothorac. Surg.Home page
P. Stradins, R. Lacis, I. Ozolanta, B. Purina, V. Ose, L. Feldmane, and V. Kasyanov
Comparison of biomechanical and structural properties between human aortic and pulmonary valve
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Eur. J. Cardiothorac. Surg.Home page
N. Alphonso, M. Baghai, K. Dhital, G. Mood, R. Tulloh, C. Austin, and D. Anderson
Midterm results of the Ross procedure
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CirculationHome page
G. B. Luciani, G. Casali, A. Favaro, M. A. Prioli, L. Barozzi, F. Santini, and A. Mazzucco
Fate of the Aortic Root Late After Ross Operation
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Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
P. Masetti, V. A. Davila-Roman, and N. T. Kouchoukos
Valve-sparing procedure for dilatation of the autologous pulmonary artery and ascending aorta after the Ross operation
Ann. Thorac. Surg., September 1, 2003; 76(3): 915 - 916.
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Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
T. Ishizaka, E. J. Devaney, S. R. Ramsburgh, T. Suzuki, R. G. Ohye, and E. L. Bove
Valve sparing aortic root replacement for dilatation of the pulmonary autograft and aortic regurgitation after the Ross procedure
Ann. Thorac. Surg., May 1, 2003; 75(5): 1518 - 1522.
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Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
J. O. Bohm, C. A. Botha, W. Hemmer, C. Starck, G. Blumenstock, D. Roser, and J.-G. Rein
Older patients fare better with the Ross operation
Ann. Thorac. Surg., March 1, 2003; 75(3): 796 - 801.
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Card Surg AdultHome page
F. J. Schoen and R. F. Padera Jr.
Cardiac Surgical Pathology
Card. Surg. Adult, January 1, 2003; 2(2003): 119 - 185.
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Card Surg AdultHome page
J. A. Fox, V. Formanek, A. Friedrich, and S. K. Shernan
Intraoperative Echocardiography
Card. Surg. Adult, January 1, 2003; 2(2003): 283 - 314.
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Card Surg AdultHome page
C. R. Hampton, A. J. Chong, and E. D. Verrier
Stentless Aortic Valve Replacement: Homograft/Autograft
Card. Surg. Adult, January 1, 2003; 2(2003): 867 - 888.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg.Home page
R. G. Leyh, T. Kofidis, S. Fischer, K. Kallenbach, W. Harringer, and A. Haverich
Aortic root reimplantation for successful repair of an insufficient pulmonary autograft valve after the Ross procedure
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., November 1, 2002; 124(5): 1048 - 1049.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg.Home page
P. Stelzer
Reoperation for dilatation of the pulmonary autograft after the Ross procedure
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., August 1, 2002; 124(2): 417 - 418.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg.Home page
T. E. David, J. Ivanov, M. J. Eriksson, J. Bos, C. M. Feindel, and H. Rakowski
Dilation of the sinotubular junction causes aortic insufficiency after aortic valve replacement with the Toronto SPV bioprosthesis
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., November 1, 2001; 122(5): 929 - 934.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
G. S. Carr-White, P. J. Kilner, J. K.F. Hon, T. Rutledge, S. Edwards, E. D. Burman, D. J. Pennell, and M. H. Yacoub
Incidence, Location, Pathology, and Significance of Pulmonary Homograft Stenosis After the Ross Operation
Circulation, September 18, 2001; 104 (2009): I-16 - I-20.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
J.F. M. Bechtel, C. Bartels, C. Schmidtke, W. Skibba, M. Muller-Steinhardt, H. Kluter, and H.-H. Sievers
Does Histocompatibility Affect Homograft Valve Function After the Ross Procedure?
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[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
R. G. Ohye, C. A. Gomez, B. J. Ohye, C. S. Goldberg, and E. L. Bove
The Ross/Konno procedure in neonates and infants: intermediate-term survival and autograft function
Ann. Thorac. Surg., September 1, 2001; 72(3): 823 - 830.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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A. Laudito, M. M. Brook, S. Suleman, M. S. Bleiweis, L. D. Thompson, F. L. Hanley, and V. M. Reddy
The Ross procedure in children and young adults: A word of caution
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., July 1, 2001; 122(1): 147 - 153.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg.Home page
E. A. Bacha, G. M. Satou, A. M. Moran, D. Zurakowski, G. R. Marx, J. F. Keane, and R. A. Jonas
Valve-sparing operation for balloon-induced aortic regurgitation in congenital aortic stenosis
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Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
R. Pessotto, W. J. Wells, C. J. Baker, C. Luna, and V. A. Starnes
Midterm results of the Ross procedure
Ann. Thorac. Surg., May 1, 2001; 71 (2007): S336 - S339.
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Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
J. Aagaard and P. V. Andersen
Acute endocarditis treated with radical debridement and implantation of mechanical or stented bioprosthetic devices
Ann. Thorac. Surg., January 1, 2001; 71(1): 100 - 103.
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Eur. J. Cardiothorac. Surg.Home page
G. B. Luciani, G. Casali, G. Faggian, and A. Mazzucco
Predicting outcome after reoperative procedures on the aortic root and ascending aorta
Eur. J. Cardiothorac. Surg., May 1, 2000; 17(5): 602 - 607.
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Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
C. J. Knott-Craig, R. C. Elkins, K. Santangelo, C. McCue, and M. M. Lane
Aortic valve replacement: comparison of late survival between autografts and homografts
Ann. Thorac. Surg., May 1, 2000; 69(5): 1327 - 1331.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg.Home page
T. E. David, A. Omran, J. Ivanov, S. Armstrong, M. P.L. de Sa, B. Sonnenberg, and G. Webb
DILATION OF THE PULMONARY AUTOGRAFT AFTER THE ROSS PROCEDURE
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., February 1, 2000; 119(2): 210 - 220.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
K. M. Dossche, A. B. de la Riviere, W. J. Morshuis, M. A.A.M. Schepens, S. M. Ernst, and J. J. van den Brand
Aortic root replacement with the pulmonary autograft: an invariably competent aortic valve?
Ann. Thorac. Surg., October 1, 1999; 68(4): 1302 - 1307.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
K. Niwaya, R. C. Elkins, C. J. Knott-Craig, K. Santangelo, M. B. Cannon, and M. M. Lane
Normalization of left ventricular dimensions after ross operation with aortic annular reduction
Ann. Thorac. Surg., September 1, 1999; 68(3): 812 - 818.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg.Home page
S. K. Choudhary, A. Mathur, R. Sharma, A. Saxena, P. Chopra, R. Roy, and A. S. Kumar
PULMONARY AUTOGRAFT: SHOULD IT BE USED IN YOUNG PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC DISEASE?
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., September 1, 1999; 118(3): 483 - 490.
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Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
N. T. Kouchoukos
Aortic allografts and pulmonary autografts for replacement of the aortic valve and aortic root
Ann. Thorac. Surg., June 1, 1999; 67(6): 1846 - 1848.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg.Home page
K. Niwaya, C. J. Knott-Craig, M. M. Lane, K. Chandrasekaren, E. D. Overholt, and R. C. Elkins
CRYOPRESERVED HOMOGRAFT VALVES IN THE PULMONARY POSITION: RISK ANALYSIS FOR INTERMEDIATE-TERM FAILURE
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., January 1, 1999; 117(1): 141 - 147.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
J. Jaggers, J. K. Harrison, T. M. Bashore, R. D. Davis, D. D. Glower, and R. M. Ungerleider
The Ross Procedure: Shorter Hospital Stay, Decreased Morbidity, and Cost Effective
Ann. Thorac. Surg., June 1, 1998; 65(6): 1553 - 1557.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg.Home page
V. M. Reddy, D. B. McElhinney, C. K. Phoon, M. M. Brook, and F. L. Hanley
Geometric mismatch of pulmonary and aortic anuli in children undergoing the Ross procedure: Implications for surgical management and autograft valve function
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., June 1, 1998; 115(6): 1255 - 1263.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg.Home page
A. Prat, J. Saez de Ibarra, A. Vincentelli, C. Decoene, C. Savoye, and Y. Goffin
Late autograft and homograft endocarditis after the ross operation
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., June 1, 1998; 115(6): 1388 - 1388.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg.Home page
P. Stelzer, S. Weinrauch, and R. F. Tranbaugh
Ten years of experience with the modified Ross procedure
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., May 1, 1998; 115(5): 1091 - 1095.
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Ann. Thorac. Surg.Home page
R. C. Elkins, C. J. Knott-Craig, K. E. Ward, and M. M. Lane
The Ross Operation in Children: 10-Year Experience
Ann. Thorac. Surg., February 1, 1998; 65(2): 496 - 502.
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CirculationHome page
J. C. Chambers, J. Somerville, S. Stone, and D. N. Ross
Pulmonary Autograft Procedure for Aortic Valve Disease : Long-term Results of the Pioneer Series
Circulation, October 7, 1997; 96(7): 2206 - 2214.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


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JAMAHome page
J. M. Matloff and A. Chaux
Cardiothoracic Surgery
JAMA, June 18, 1997; 277(23): 1843 - 1845.
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