Immediate outcomes after the Ross operation in children and adults

The Ross procedure has been increasingly utilized to treat various forms of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and aortic regurgitation. Compared with alternative valve replacement options (mechanical, porcine, homograft), benefits of the Ross procedure include the lack of anticoagulation and the potential growth and durability of the autograft valve. Patients undergoing the Ross procedure represent a heterogeneous group of patients, ranging from neonates to adults with congenital or acquired heart disease. Prior procedures are common, as are additional hemodynamic abnormalities requiring intervention at the time of the Ross procedure. The postoperative course may be complicated by ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmia, bleeding and pulmonary hypertension. The purpose of this review article is to evaluate the short term results of the Ross procedure in children and young adults, including current results at our institution, with an emphasis on management in the intensive care unit after surgery.