The Ross procedure is one of the effective ways of treating the aortic valves which have been damaged. In this, the pulmonary valve of the patient, which functions properly is used to replace the damaged aortic valve which fails to function. Such a procedure is best suited for children, as the new replaced valve gets time to grow as the child develops. This procedure requires extensive surgery. The Ross procedure is used extensively for children as well as young adults.
What are the Common Symptoms That May Require The Ross Procedure In Children?
The Ross procedure is usually used in children and infants in order to replace their damaged aortic valve. Such a form of damage may occur due to-
Aortic Valve Stenosis: Stenosis of the valve of aorta which may be progressive in nature in children.
Non-repairable Valve: The child may have a form of stenosis that cannot be corrected by repair of the valve. Such a condition occurs in association with obstruction in the ventricular valve. In such a case replacement surgery may become essential.
Hypoplasic Condition: Hypoplasic condition of aortic valve annulus in the neonatal period.
Endocarditis: The infant may suffer from infections like endocarditis in aortic valve.
Rheumatic Valve Disease Of The Aorta: The child may also be a prey to rheumatic valve disease of the aorta.
How Safe Is The Ross Procedure Of Surgery For Children?
The Ross procedure is no doubt a complex procedure of grafting the pulmonary valve in place of the aortic valve. However, it is seen that in spite of the complexities, the Ross procedure is quite safe for children with the mortality rate under 2.5%. It should be noted that Ross procedure for children should be done by expert and experienced surgeons to be ensure security. However, the medical team has to be extra careful in case an infant under one year has to be operated with the ross procedure.
How is Aortic Valve Disease Diagnosed In Children?
Aortic valve disease may be identified in children with the help of various tests like-
ECG Exam: The diagnosis of aortic valve disease in infants can be done as early as during the prenatal period. Such a diagnosis is possible with the help of ECG of the heart of the fetus once the mother is 16 weeks pregnant. Such a form of prenatal diagnosis is done in case of sufficient problems arising during the prenatal ultrasound which has to be done at regular intervals.
Aortic Valve Disease: A history of aortic valve disease in the family should be informed to the doctor at the time of pregnancy. During such cases, the doctor makes it a point to go for ECG of the fetus to prevent serious problems to occur.
Physical Checkup: The doctor may go for physical findings of the infants to diagnose the presence of any disease in case of manifested symptoms. The child may have a problem of heart murmur or congested heart failure. The patient may also have a very faint pulse. Such physical findings may be followed by ECG for accurate diagnosis.
Echocardiogram: Sometimes the doctor can also recommend the child for an echocardiogram for the diagnosis of aortic valve disease.
Angiogram: Lastly, an angiogram may be done in cases when the results of other noninvasive tests are not conclusive. It can also be done for therapeutic purposes.
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