Ten-year results of the Ross procedure in patients with infective endocarditis: a single-center retrospective study

Objective. To analyze the immediate and long-term results of the Ross procedure in patients with infective endocarditis of the aortic valve. Material and methods. There were 53 patients with aortic valve infective endocarditis (43 (81%) men and 10 (19%) women). Inclusion criterion: patients who underwent the Ross procedure, age ≥18 years. Exclusion criteria: non-infectious aortic valve disease. Mean age of patients was 34.6±9.4 years. There were 3 (5.6%) patients with active infective endocarditis, and 12 (22.6%) ones had aortic root abscess. The median follow-up period was 80 [19; 116] months. Results. Combined interventions were performed in 12 (22.6%) cases. There was no in-hospital and 30-day mortality. In early postoperative period, 2 (3.8%) patients required implantation of a permanent pacemaker due to conduction disturbances. Two (3.8%) patients developed perioperative myocardial injury and acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy. Re-sternotomy for bleeding was performed in 3 (5.7%) patients. Ten-year overall survival, freedom from redo surgery and recurrence of infective endocarditis were 92.6%, 92.4% and 100%, respectively. In long-term period, median of mean pressure gradient was 3 [2; 3] mm Hg, aortic regurgitation ≥2 was observed in in 2 (6%) patients. Conclusion. The Ross surgery in young patients with aortic valve infective endocarditis is a safe technique in experienced hands with excellent long-term results.