"Does The Ross Procedure Last For Life?" Asks Linda
May 12th, 2009Linda just sent me an email about one of the surgical options for aortic valve replacement, known as the Ross Procedure or “Switch” procedure.
She writes, “Hi Adam – I was curious what your surgeon told you about how long the Ross Procedure would last. My doctor said it would last the rest of my life. But, during my yearly echos (and other testing), we have detected severe leakage of the aortic valve and moderate-to-severe leakage with my pulmonary valve. I had to have both valves replaced in March of this year. I had the Ross Procedure 15 years ago. I’m curious to find out your experience and others. Thanks, Linda”.
Like Linda, I had the Ross Procedure performed on me. That said, I perked up in my chair when I received her email. Although Linda is asking specifically about the Ross Procedure, you can really apply her fundamental question to all valve replacement procedures:
- How long does a pig valve last?
- How long does a cow valve last?
- How long does a mechanical valve last?
Ultimately, as patients, we are focused on avoiding a re-operation. Accordingly, the medical community has established some guidelines for the average lifespan of different valve replacement types and procedures. For pig valves, it’s about 10-15 years. For cow valves, it has gone up to 20 years. And, for mechanical valves it is 30+ years.
However, please note, there is variance in the actual performance of valve life. I’ve talked to some patients who required valve replacement re-operations only 2 years after implant. I have also discussed this topic with patients that had mechanical valve replacement surgery in 1971. (Yes, you read that accurately… 1971.)
Specific to the Ross Procedure, I was told that there was a possibility I would never need a re-operation during my life. That was one of the reasons I chose this unique aortic valve surgery. But, that did not stop my due diligence on the Ross Procedure. Below, you will find some links to that research. Simply click the hyperlinks to learn clinical and patient information about the Ross Procedure:
- Clinical Information: Ross Procedure Statistics – Success, Failure, Reopeartion
- Clinical Information: 16 Year Study Of The Ross Procedure
- Patient Story: After Ross Procedure, Dr. Oswalt Gets Praise
- Patient Story: Melissa Causey, 11 Months After Ross Procedure
- My Thoughts on “Would You Do The Ross Procedure Again?”
Ultimately, I believe one of the keys to a successful heart valve surgery is finding the right surgeon. This belief is most appropriate for the complex Ross Procedure – considering the double valve replacement that is required during the operation. FYI, I have received positive, patient feedback from each of the surgeons referenced below:
- Paul Stelzer (New York City, New York)
- Vaughn Starnes (Los Angeles, California)
- William Ryan (Dallas, Texas)
- John Oswalt (Austin, Texas)
- Ron Elkins (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
- Mark Bleiweis (Gainesville, Florida)
- Sir Magdi Yacoub (Middlesex, United Kingdom)
I hope the information above helps Linda, and perhaps you, better understand the Ross Procedure.
Keep on tickin!
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| About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates clinical research with the personal experiences of 135 former patients to help future patients and their caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here. |
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