Ross Procedure for Aortic Valve Replacement

The Ross procedure is a method of aortic valve replacement in children and young adults. The procedure uses the child's own pulmonary valve to replace the defective aortic valve.

A tissue graft (homograft) is placed to carry the blood from the heart to the lungs. It is also called pulmonary autograft for aortic valve replacement. The advantage of the Ross is it provides the potential for growth in children and does not require the use of blood thinners. We try to avoid blood thinners in children, if possible.