Institutional review - Valves Impact of ascending aorta replacement combined with a Ross procedure on autograft root distensibility and function in patients with combined pathology of the aortic valve and ascending aorta

In this study we aimed to assess the autograft root dimensions, distensibility, and autograft valve function in patients after Ross operation combined with replacement of the ascending aorta compared to patients that underwent Ross operation only. Forty patients received a Ross operation, and in 12 of them an additional replacement of the ascending aorta was performed. Autograft root dimensions, distensibility, and valve function were assessed by echocardiography. There were no differences in root size, distensibility, and valve function between groups. Our preliminary results indicate that replacement of the ascending aorta with a noncompliant prosthesis has no effect on the autograft root. q 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.