I just received a question about the Ross Procedure for aortic valve replacement from Evelyn.

She writes, “Adam - The [1] severe stenosis from moderate status and it looks like surgery is in my future. I’m investigating my options and considering the Ross Procedure. By chance, do you know how many Ross Procedures are performed each year? Thanks, Evelyn”

Evelyn raises a great question. In fact, when I first learned of the Ross Procedure, as an alternative to traditional approaches, I thought to myself, “Sound goods. But, what is the [2] surgical success rate of the Ross Procedure? And… How many of those procedures have been done?”

In talking with [3] Dr. Donald Ross (the inventor of the procedure) and doing my own research, I learned that the Ross Procedure is definitely NOT performed as frequently as bioprosthetic and mechanical valve replacements. In fact, several surgeons do not favor the procedure as it requires a double valve replacement - the pulmonary valve is replaced with a homograft.

However, [4] Three years later… I’m doing great.

Now, specific to Evelyn’s question…

I did some digging on the topic and learned very little as to “How Many Ross Procedures occur annually?” Then, I came across a recent reference from Cryolife, a heart valve manufacturer, which suggests that 1,500 Ross Procedures are performed annually on a global basis.

That number seems very appropriate if you do a quick estimate… Consider that the American Heart Association suggests that 18,000 [5] aortic valve replacements were performed in the United States during 2007. Then, estimate what percent of those surgeries are Ross Procedures. My gut tells me it’s a very low percentage. Maybe it’s 5%. So, if you do the math, about 1,000 Ross Procedures are performed each year in the United States. Then, to account for the rest of the world, I would estimate another 500. Again, this is just a rough, quick estimate.

Well, I hope that helps Evelyn and you learn more about the number of Ross Procedures performed each year.

Keep on tickin!

P.S. Have any comments? If so, please [6] click here.

About The Author: [7] To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.