Ross Procedure

Also known as: pulmonary autograft, switch procedure.

What is Ross procedure?

Ross procedure is a surgery to repair a damaged aortic valve. The aortic valve is responsible for pumping blood from the heart out to the body.

What happens during the procedure?

Ross procedure is an open-heart surgery done under general anesthesia. It involves removing the damaged aortic valve, removing the pulmonary valve, and putting the pulmonary valve in place of the damage aortic valve. Then a donated pulmonary valve (animal or human) is attached in place of the removed pulmonary valve.

Is any special preparation needed?

You may need to avoid food or drink, as well as certain medications, for a period of time before the procedure.

What are the risk factors?

The risks of Ross procedure include bleeding, stroke, heart attack, infections, breathing problems, arrhythmia and possibly death.

Ross procedure at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

Ross procedure is performed by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s team of top-notch medical professionals using the most cutting-edge techniques.


Reviewed by: Bhavi Patel, DO

This page was last updated on: April 30, 2021 04:01 PM

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