Also called Switch Procedure

The Ross procedure is usually performed on patients younger than ages 40 to 50 who want to avoid taking long-term anticoagulant medications after surgery. During this procedure, the patient's own pulmonary valve is removed and used to replace the diseased aortic valve. The pulmonary valve is then replaced with a pulmonary homograft.

Measurement of the aortic and pulmonic valves

Step 1: Measurement of the aortic and pulmonic valves.

The aorta and pulmonary artery are opened and the aortic and pulmonary valves are carefully inspected to determine if the Ross is an appropriate procedure.

Step 2: The aorta and pulmonary artery are opened and the aortic and pulmonary valves are carefully inspected to determine if the Ross is an appropriate procedure.

The diseased aortic valve is removed. Then, the pulmonary valve (autograft) is removed and placed in the aortic position.

Step 3: The diseased aortic valve is removed. Then, the pulmonary valve (autograft) is removed and placed in the aortic position.

The autograft in sutured in place and the coronary arteries are re-attached.

Step 4: The autograft in sutured in place and the coronary arteries are re-attached.

A pulmonary homograft is attached to the right ventricle outflow tract.

Step 5: A pulmonary homograft is attached to the right ventricle outflow tract.

The aorta is attached to the autograft and the pulmonary artery is attached to the homograft - the procedure is complete.

Step 6: The aorta is attached to the autograft and the pulmonary artery is attached to the homograft - the procedure is complete.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/22/2019.

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