Encouraging 10-Year Results For The Ross Procedure, Reports Dr. Yacoub
August 13th, 2010Since having my aortic valve replaced via the Ross Procedure in 2005, I’ve received a number of questions about this unique double heart valve replacement. One of the most common questions is, “Isn’t that operation more risky as two valves are replaced?”
I have to admit, that is a very fair question. I remember thinking the same thing when both Dr. Trento and Dr. Starnes suggested this relatively uncommon surgical approach. However, as I did my research on the Ross Procedure, the benefits started to outweigh the risks.
Specific to surgical outcomes for the Ross Procedure, new data was just released by heart valve legend, Dr. Magdi Yacoub, which provided encouraging support for having your pulmonary valve switched into the aortic position. Here are the details of the Ross Procedure study:
- Aortic valve replacement patients under the age of 69 at the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust in London were randomly assigned to two groups between 1994 and 2001.
- The first group of 108 patients had their aortic valve replaced with their own pulmonary valve (also known as an autograft). Their pulmonary valve was replaced with one harvested from a donor (a homograft).
- The remaining 108 patients had their malfunctioning aortic valve replaced with one from a donor.
The results of the study were:
- There was one death during or after surgery in the group receiving their own valve, compared to three among those assigned to receive a donor valve.
- After 10 years, four patients in the autograft group had died, compared with 15 in the homograft set. This meant that the survival rate a decade later was 97% in the first group and 83% in the second.
Yacoub noted, “Our results support the hypothesis that a living valve implanted in the aortic position can lead to significantly improved clinical outcomes in patients”. They say that the technique “was associated with improved freedom from reoperation and quality of life”.
As you prepare for surgery, you may learn relatively quickly that there are multiple options specific to heart valve surgery – the surgeon, the surgical approach (e.g. sternotomy, minimally invasive)and the valve replacement device (e.g. tissue, mechanical). This post is not intended to suggest that the Ross Procedure is for everyone needing aortic valve replacement. Rather, I share this information to enhance your awareness to the different options available to you.
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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