Background: The purpose of this study was to assess autograft function after the Ross procedure and to review surgical outcomes associated with autograft reoperations. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients undergoing the Ross procedure since 1993. Autograft function and autograft reoperation were studied. Autograft failure was defined as more than moderate autograft regurgitation or autograft dilatation to more than 50 mm diameter or z-score of more than +4 in children. One hospital death was excluded from analysis as were patients with unknown late autograft status. Results: Among 75 patients analyzed, preoperative diagnosis before the Ross procedure included aortic regurgitation in 26, aortic stenosis in 19, combined lesions in 28, and 2 mechanical valve malfunctions. Median age at the Ross procedure was 12.1 (0.4-43.6) years with 44 children less than 15 years old. Six patients had greater than mild autograft regurgitation at post-Ross hospital discharge. During median follow-up of 14.9 years, there were 23 autograft failures. Eighteen autograft reoperations were performed on 17 patients (13 children), including 12 aortic valve replacements, 5 aortic root replacements (including 1 valve-sparing root replacement), and 1 Konno procedure. Freedom from autograft failure and autograft reoperation at 20 years after the Ross procedure was 52.0% and 66.3%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified greater than mild autograft regurgitation at hospital discharge from Ross procedure as a risk factor for autograft failure ( P < .01). All patients who underwent autograft reoperation survived and had good health status at a median of 6.9 years after the reoperation. Conclusions: The Ross procedure is effective in delaying prosthetic aortic valve replacement, although the time-related risk of autograft failure is a real consideration.
OBJECTIVES
Patients who have achieved Fontan circulation may require reoperation. We reviewed the outcomes of reoperation after Fontan completion and assessed the risk factors for poor outcomes.
METHODS
This was a retrospective study of 106 patients undergoing open-heart reoperations after Fontan completion in 2003 at a single institution.
RESULTS
The mean age at reoperation was 24.6 ± 8.3 years. A history of Fontan failure or end-organ dysfunction was noted in 30 patients. The reoperations included 73 total cavopulmonary connection conversions, 29 atrioventricular or semilunar valve operations (17 with total cavopulmonary connection conversions) and 4 other operations. Eight early deaths occurred. During a median follow-up of 5.5 (0.01–16.2) years, there were 3 late deaths and 9 second cardiac operations. The 10-year survival rate after reoperation was 89.8%, and the 5-year second cardiac operation-free survival was 84.3%. The 10-year survival rates were significantly lower in patients who underwent surgery before 2011 (75.8% vs 100%), had a history of Fontan failure or end-organ dysfunction (71.7% vs 97.3%), had preoperative central venous pressure >15 mmHg (64.9% vs 96.5%) and were operated on with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) (60.0% vs 91.3%). A history of Fontan failure or end-organ dysfunction, preoperative central venous pressure >15 mmHg and requirement of DHCA were identified as risk factors for mortality.
CONCLUSIONS
Reoperation after Fontan completion resulted in excellent mid-term outcomes. A history of failed Fontan circulation and the requirement of DHCA negatively affected survival outcomes.
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