Acceptance and versatility of the Ross procedure.

During the 31 years since the initial Ross procedure, data have been collected that have been helpful in assessing long-term performance of the autograft. The ongoing study of the pulmonary autograft supports the use of the Ross procedure in young patients, in females of childbearing age, and in patients with congenital aortic stenosis and complex left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. We continue to see little or no thromboembolism despite no anticoagulation therapy. The remarkable ability of the autograft to grow in children is extremely beneficial. Additionally, excellent results have been obtained in some series for the treatment of endocarditis. Recently, the autograft has performed similarly to a normal aortic valve under high stress. Changes in implantation techniques transitioning from subcoronary to root replacement and performing annular narrowing has decreased the incidence of early regurgitation. A potential for an immune response with resulting pulmonary stenosis and possible early explanation of the pulmonary homograft exists; however, overall, results of the Ross procedure are excellent and highly reproducible.