Comments on: Ross Procedure Risks For Aortic Valve Replacement Addressed By 16 Year Study

By: Edward

Edward — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 04:20:52 +0000

Adam,

I had the Ross operation 9 years ago, and recently been diagnosed with aortic root dilation. I understand from my cardiologist and surgeon that this is common for people born with bicuspid aortic valves, and Ross patients. When I decided on the procedure 9 years ago I did not find a lot of information on the risks other than the procedure takes a long time, and requires a skilled surgeon. I am considering valve sparing root replacement if my valve (originally my pulmonary) valve is in good shape. Alternatively considering mechanical valve. Understand that the my valve may degenerate over time due to systemic pressure (since the pulmonary valve was not intended to endure such pressure). A risk I am considering taking. Interesting to read that Linda\’s valve has lasted 20 years, that is encouraging. Wondered how long the aortic valve last after the Ross. Originally I thought 9 years ago that choosing the Ross would fix me for life. My surgeon has also mentioned that my pulmonary valve will need to be fixed in the future as it is already showing some calcification and minor leakage. Thank you Adam for your blog.

By: Linda Comeaux

Linda Comeaux — Wed, 12 May 2010 19:23:40 +0000

Hi,

I had the Ross Procedure done 20 years ago this past March. Thanks to God and Dr. Ronald Elkins, I am doing great. Slight leakage in hormograft position, but not a real concern at this time. Doing Great!!

By: Nancy

Nancy — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:38:40 +0000

Janet, I had a thorensentisis (sp) and drained 800 cc from my right lung. I found out later that it was very common to have this after surgery. It was later determined from an echo that I had a leaky tricuspid valve. I am sure you probably have had an echo and you might want to look at what the results are. My tricuspid is still leaking substantially 4 weeks post op and I will probably be on diuretics forever trying to control the fluid. The doctors indicate that this is not life threatening. What lung are you having drained? If it is the right one – it may indicate the tricuspid leaking?? Good luck.

By: Laurie Collins

Laurie Collins — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:48:41 +0000

Adam,
It seems that you know a lot about the Ross procedure. I has an aortic valve replacement 2 years ago. Scar tissue has grown under the valve and I have worse stenosis than before. The annulus is also very small and they would have to go in and work with that.
From My reading, it seems as if the Ross procedure might be one of the options.I had Dr. Cohen out of USC. He said that the had never gone in to take out a mechanical valve before and that he wouldnt look forward to it. ( A huge red flag went up.)
I have been looking into Cedar Sinai as an alternative option. I would also like to have an opinion by Dr.Starnes. Any links that you have would be greatly appreciated.
LAurie Collins

(Dr. Cohen and Dr. Starnes work together down at Children’s Hospital.)

By: Doug Atkins

Doug Atkins — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:07:20 +0000

Adam,
Didn’t Dr. Elkins retire from surgery? Had heard that he turned that over to another surgeon…possibly his son?

By: jerry

jerry — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:53:39 +0000

young adults ages 18-50 years.

I’ve read this phrase several times now to enjoy being called a young adult.

By: JANET COYLE

JANET COYLE — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:41:29 +0000

Is there any information on pleural effusion as a complication from aortic replacement. I am having to be tapped fo the third time since my surgery on Oct 30th.