This procedure is used to replace a defective aortic valve.
The defective valve is either too narrow or does not close properly. The child's abnormal aortic valve is removed and replaced with the child's healthy pulmonary valve. This is known as an autograft. In place of the pulmonary valve, a pig or human valve is inserted.
This is an open-heart surgical method. The valve placed in the pulmonary position will need to be replaced later in life as it wears out.
Risks of the Ross procedure
Risks of the procedure can include bleeding, infection, fluid retention, swelling (edema), breathing difficulties, or damage to the electrical conduction system of the heart.