Decellularization as a method to reduce calcification in bovine pericardium bioprosthetic valves.

OBJECTIVES: Decellularization is an alternative method for processing biological tissues with decreased antigenicity and resistance to calcification. The aim of this study was to characterize the properties of decellularized (dCell) bovine pericardium fixed with 0.1% glutaraldehyde (GA) and to evaluate outcomes of bioprosthetic valves constructed with this tissue when implanted in the mitral position of juvenile sheep. METHODS: Bioprosthetic mitral valves were constructed with fresh bovine pericardium fixed in 0.5% GA (control group) or dCell bovine pericardium fixed in 0.1% GA (study group). Before implantation, samples were submitted to histological (haematoxylin-eosin, Movat and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole), biochemical (residual deoxyribonucleic acid and α-gal epitopes) and biomechanical characterization. Valves were implanted (n = 8 in each group) as a mitral valve replacement for 180 days in sheep and explants were re-evaluated histologically and for calcification with radiological studies and calcium content determination. RESULTS: Unimplanted dCell pericardia exhibited a well-preserved extracellular matrix with absence of cells, a 77% reduction in deoxyribonucleic acid levels and with no detectable α-gal epitopes. When compared to controls, they had lower ultimate tensile strength (7.3 ± 5.4 vs 10.2 ± 3.0 mPa, P = 0.04) and greater percentage elongation in the longitudinal direction (29 ± 6.5% vs 23.8 ± 5.1%, P = 0.02). After 180 days in mitral position, dCell valves showed pliable leaflets without macroscopic signs of calcification. Histologically, dCell leaflets had intact collagen fibres, better tissue remodelling and a significant 89% reduction in calcium content. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that bioprosthetic valves constructed with dCell bovine pericardium fixed in low GA concentration were resistant to calcification and may thereby improve long-term durability of the tissue.

Initial Surgical Experience with Aortic Valve Repair: Clinical and Echocardiographic Results.

INTRODUCTION: Due to late complications associated with the use of conventional prosthetic heart valves, several centers have advocated aortic valve repair and/or valve sparing aortic root replacement for patients with aortic valve insufficiency, in order to enhance late survival and minimize adverse postoperative events. METHODS: From March/2012 thru March 2015, 37 patients consecutively underwent conservative operations of the aortic valve and/or aortic root. Mean age was 48±16 years and 81% were males. The aortic valve was bicuspid in 54% and tricuspid in the remaining. All were operated with the aid of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. Surgical techniques consisted of replacing the aortic root with a Dacron graft whenever it was dilated or aneurysmatic, using either the remodeling or the reimplantation technique, besides correcting leaflet prolapse when present. Patients were sequentially evaluated with clinical and echocardiographic studies and mean follow-up time was 16±5 months. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 2.7%. In addition there were two late deaths, with late survival being 85% (CI 95% - 68%-95%) at two years. Two patients were reoperated due to primary structural valve failure. Freedom from reoperation or from primary structural valve failure was 90% (CI 95% - 66%-97%) and 91% (CI 95% - 69%-97%) at 2 years, respectively. During clinical follow-up up to 3 years, there were no cases of thromboembolism, hemorrhage or endocarditis. CONCLUSIONS: Although this represents an initial series, these data demonstrates that aortic valve repair and/or valve sparing aortic root surgery can be performed with satisfactory immediate and short-term results.

Experiência inicial com operações cardíacas minimamente invasivas / Initial experience with minimally invasive cardiac operations

INTRODUÇÃO: Operações cardíacas minimamente invasivas têm sido propostas como uma alternativa para a correção de diversas cardiopatias congênitas e adquiridas, com o intuito de reduzir a morbimortalidade. OBJETIVOS: Descrever a experiência inicial de dois anos com operações cardíacas minimamente invasivas, com ênfase nos aspectos técnicos e na curva de aprendizado. MÉTODOS: Entre julho de 2009 a março de 2012, 95 pacientes foram operados com técnicas minimamente invasivas. A média de idade foi de 55±15 anos e 53% pacientes eram do sexo feminino. As operações foram fechamento de comunicação interatrial (25), substituição valvar aórtica (32), plastia mitral (23), substituição valvar mitral (12), ressecção de mixoma de átrio esquerdo (2) e ressecção de membrana subaórtica (1). A incisão consistiu de minitoracotomia lateral direita em 87 casos e de miniesternotomia em oito. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade imediata foi de 4,2%, e o tamanho médio da incisão foi de 6,3 ± 1,2 cm. A extensão da toracotomia só foi necessária em um caso. Dois pacientes apresentaram acidente vascular cerebral, e a quantidade total de sangramento foi de 470 ± 277 ml. Nenhum paciente teve infecção de ferida operatória, e 67% dos casos não apresentaram morbidade pós-operatória significativa. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados iniciais com operações minimamente invasivas demonstraram que elas podem ser realizadas de forma segura e com resultados iniciais satisfatórios. O índice de satisfação dos pacientes foi elevado. Uma vez ultrapassada a curva de aprendizado, as operações minimamente invasivas podem ser uma excelente alternativa para muitos pacientes com cardiopatias valvares e congênitas.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive cardiovascular operations have been proposed as an alternative method to correct several cardiac congenital and acquired heart diseases, with the aim to reduce morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: Describe the two years initial experience with minimally invasive operations, with emphasis on technical aspects and the learning curve. METHODS: Between July 2009 and March 2012, 95 patients were operated using minimally invasive operations. Mean age was 55 ± 15 years and 53% were females. The operations performed were atrial septal defect closure (25), aortic valve replacement (32), mitral valve repair (23), mitral valve replacement (12), excision of atrial myxoma (2) and resection of subaortic membrane (1). The incision was a mini right thoracotomy in 87 cases and ministernotomy in 8. RESULTS: Early mortality was 4.2%. Mean size of the incision was 6.3 ±1.2 cm. Extension of the original thoracotomy was necessary in only one case. Two patients suffered a stroke, and the mean total blood loss was 470 ± 277 ml. There were no cases of incision infection and 67% the patients had no major morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial results with minimally invasive operations demonstrated that it was safe and with good clinical results. Patient satisfaction is quite high. After the learning phase has been transversed, minimally invasive operations may be an excellent alternative for many patients with congenital and acquired diseases.

Effect of SDS-based decelullarization in the prevention of calcification in glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium: study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of study was to investigate the SDS-based decellularization process as an anticalcification method in glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium in subcutaneous rat model. METHODS: Pericardium samples with 0.5 cm² area were divide in four groups: group GDA: 0.5% glutaraldehyde-preserved pericardium (GDA); group GDA-GL: GDA + 0.2% glutamic acid (GL); group D-GDA: decellularized (D) pericardium with 0.1% SDS + GDA and group D-GDA-GL: decellularized pericardium + GDA + 0.2% glutamic acid. After this samples were implanted in 18 rats in subcutaneous position till 90 days. Each animal received samples of the four groups. The explants were performed at 45 and 90 days. The explants were subjected to histology in glass slides stained with hematoxilin-eosin and alizarin red, morphometry evaluation and the calcium content was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: The inflammatory infiltrate was the same in all groups, however more intense in GDA and GDA-GL groups in 45 days, increasing at 90 days. The calcium contents for 45 days were: 32.52 ± 3.19 µg/mg in GDA group; 22.12 ± 3.87 µg/ mg in GDA-GL group; 1.06 ± 0.38 µg/mg in D-GDA group and 3.99 ± 5.78 µg/mg in D-GDA-GL (P< 0.001). For 90 days were 65.91 ± 24.67 µg/mg in GDA group; 38.37 ± 13.79 µg/mg in GDA-GL group; 1.24 ± 0.99 µg/mg in D-GDA group and 30.54 ± 8.21 µg/mg in D-GDA-GL (P< 0.001). Only D-GDA did not show increase rates of calcium at 45 to 90 days (P=0.314). CONCLUSION: SDS-based decellularization process reduced the inflammatory intensity and calcification in bovine pericardium in subcutaneous rat model for 90 days.

Aortic valve replacement with the Cardioprotese Premium bovine pericardium bioprosthesis: four-year clinical results.

OBJECTIVES: This study reports the initial clinical and echocardiographic results of the Premium bioprosthetic aortic valve up to 4 years of follow-up. METHODS: Between October 2007 and July 2011, 121 consecutive patients were submitted for aortic valve replacement with the Premium bioprosthetic valve. The mean age was 68 ± 9 years and 64 patients were males. The patients were periodically evaluated by clinical and echocardiographic examinations. The mean follow-up was 21 months (min = 2, max = 48), yielding 217 patients/year for the analysis. RESULTS: The hospital mortality was 8%. Late survival at 3 years was 89% (95% CI: 81.9-93.3%), and 80% of the patients were in NYHA functional class I/II. The rates of valve-related complications were low, with a linearized incidence of 0.9%/100 patients/year for thromboembolic complications, 0% for haemorrhagic events and 0.9%/100 patients/year of bacterial endocarditis. There was no case of primary structural valve dysfunction. The mean effective orifice area was 1.61 ± 0.45 cm(2); mean gradient 13 ± 5 mmHg and peak gradient 22 ± 9 mmHg. Significant patient-prosthesis mismatch was found in only 11% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The Premium bioprosthetic aortic valve demonstrated very satisfactory clinical and echocardiographic results up to 4 years, similar to other commercially available, third-generation bioprosthetic valves.

Efeito da descelularização com SDS na prevenção da calcificação em pericárdio bovino fixado em glutaraldeído: estudo em ratos / Effect of SDS-based decelullarization in the prevention of calcification in glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium: study in rats

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a descelularização com SDS como tratamento anticalcificante em pericárdio bovino fixado em glutaraldeído. MÉTODOS: Peças de 0,5 cm² foram implantadas em modelo subcutâneo de 18 ratos por até 90 dias. Foram formados quatro grupos: grupo GDA: pericárdio fixado em glutaraldeído 0,5% (GDA), grupo GDA-GL: pericárdio fixado em GDA + ácido glutâmico (GL) 0,2%, grupo D-GDA: pericárdio descelularizado (D) com SDS 0,1% e fixado em GDA e grupo D-GDA-GL: pericárdio descelularizado + GDA + ácido glutâmico 0,2%. Cada animal recebeu enxertos dos quatro grupos. Os explantes foram realizados com 45 e 90 dias. As avaliações foram: análise histológica com as colorações hematoxilina-eosina e alizarina-red, análise morfométrica e quantificação de cálcio por espectrometria de absorção atômica. RESULTADOS: O padrão de infiltrado inflamatório foi o mesmo nos quatro grupos, sendo mais intenso nos grupos GDA e GDA-GL aos 45 dias, ficando mais evidente aos 90 dias. O conteúdo de cálcio aos 45 dias foi de 32,52 ± 3,19 µg/ mg no grupo GDA; 22,12 ± 3,87 µg/mg no grupo GDA-GL; 1,06 ± 0,38 µg/mg no grupo D-GDA e 3,99 ± 5,78 µg/mg no grupo D-GDA-GL (P< 0,001). Aos 90 dias, foi de 65,91 ± 24,67 µg/mg no grupo GDA; 38,37 ± 13,79 µg/mg no grupo GDA-GL; 1,24 ± 0,99 µg/mg no grupo D-GDA e 30,54 ± 8,21 µg/mg no grupo D-GDA-GL (P< 0,001). O grupo D-GDA foi o único que não apresentou progressão da calcificação de 45 para 90 dias (P=0,314). CONCLUSÃO: A descelularização com SDS reduziu o processo inflamatório e inibiu a calcificação em pericárdio bovino implantado em modelo subcutâneo de ratos até 90 dias.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of study was to investigate the SDS-based decellularization process as an anticalcification method in glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium in subcutaneous rat model. METHODS: Pericardium samples with 0.5 cm² area were divide in four groups: group GDA: 0.5% glutaraldehydepreserved pericardium (GDA); group GDA-GL: GDA + 0.2% glutamic acid (GL); group D-GDA: decellularized (D) pericardium with 0.1% SDS + GDA and group D-GDA-GL: decellularized pericardium + GDA + 0.2% glutamic acid. After this samples were implanted in 18 rats in subcutaneous position till 90 days. Each animal received samples of the four groups. The explants were performed at 45 and 90 days. The explants were subjected to histology in glass slides stained with hematoxilin-eosin and alizarin red, morphometry evaluation and the calcium content was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: The inflammatory infiltrate was the same in all groups, however more intense in GDA and GDA-GL groups in 45 days, increasing at 90 days. The calcium contents for 45 days were: 32.52 ± 3.19 µg/mg in GDA group; 22.12 ± 3.87 µg/ mg in GDA-GL group; 1.06 ± 0.38 µg/mg in D-GDA group and 3.99 ± 5.78 µg/mg in D-GDA-GL (P< 0.001). For 90 days were 65.91 ± 24.67 µg/mg in GDA group; 38.37 ± 13.79 µg/mg in GDA-GL group; 1.24 ± 0.99 µg/mg in D-GDA group and 30.54 ± 8.21 µg/mg in D-GDA-GL (P< 0.001). Only D-GDA did not show increase rates of calcium at 45 to 90 days (P=0.314). CONCLUSION: SDS-based decellularization process reduced the inflammatory intensity and calcification in bovine pericardium in subcutaneous rat model for 90 days.

Initial experience with minimally invasive cardiac operations.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive cardiovascular operations have been proposed as an alternative method to correct several cardiac congenital and acquired heart diseases, with the aim to reduce morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: Describe the two years initial experience with minimally invasive operations, with emphasis on technical aspects and the learning curve. METHODS: Between July 2009 and March 2012, 95 patients were operated using minimally invasive operations. Mean age was 55 ± 15 years and 53% were females. The operations performed were atrial septal defect closure (25), aortic valve replacement (32), mitral valve repair (23), mitral valve replacement (12), excision of atrial myxoma (2) and resection of subaortic membrane (1). The incision was a mini right thoracotomy in 87 cases and ministernotomy in 8. RESULTS: Early mortality was 4.2%. Mean size of the incision was 6.3 ±1.2 cm. Extension of the original thoracotomy was necessary in only one case. Two patients suffered a stroke, and the mean total blood loss was 470 ± 277 ml. There were no cases of incision infection and 67% the patients had no major morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial results with minimally invasive operations demonstrated that it was safe and with good clinical results. Patient satisfaction is quite high. After the learning phase has been transversed, minimally invasive operations may be an excellent alternative for many patients with congenital and acquired diseases.

Decellularization as an anticalcification method in stentless bovine pericardium valve prosthesis: a study in sheep.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyze the decellularization process with SDS in glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium as an anticalcification method in a circulatory sheep model. METHODS: The valved tubs were implanted in pulmonary artery position in sheep by 180 days. The animals were divided in two groups of 8 animals: control group--glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium and the study group--decellularized bovine pericardium with 0,1% SDS and glutaraldehyde-preserved. After explantation the tubs were analized by x-ray macroscopy, hematoxilin-eosin, alizarin-red and Russel-Movatz pentacromic histology. The calcium content was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: There was no early mortality, but two animals in each group died during the study. All cusps in the control group were severely calcified and in some points in the conduits, while the decellularized group did not show macroscopic calcification. Data were proved by x-ray and histologycal exams. The matrix was preserved in histologycal analysis in decellularized group, without gross calcification. The wall conduits calcium content was 35,25 ± 42,13 µg/mg in the control group versus 15,75 ± 10,44 µg/mg in the decellularized one: in the cusps was 264,4 ± 126,16 µg/mg in control group versus 94,29 ± 27,05 µg/mg in decellularized group (P = 0,009). CONCLUSION: The decellularization with 0.1% SDS was effective as an anticalcification method in bovine pericardial grafts implanted in a sheep circulatory model for 180 days.

Descelularização como método anticalcificante em próteses valvares de pericárdio bovino sem suporte: estudo em ovinos / Decellularization as an anticalcification method in stentless bovine pericardium valve prosthesis: a study in sheep

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o processo de descelularização com dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS) como método anticalcificante em próteses de pericárdio bovino fixadas em glutaraldeído, em modelo circulatório de ovinos. MÉTODOS: Tubos valvulados de pericárdio bovino foram implantados em posição pulmonar de ovinos por 180 dias. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos com oito animais: grupo controle, com condutos de pericárdio fixado em glutaraldeído e grupo estudo, com pericárdio descelularizado com SDS 0,1% e posteriormente fixado em GDA. Os explantes foram submetidos à análise macroscópica, histológica com hematoxilina-eosina, alizarina-red e pentacrômico de Russel-Movatz, estudo radiológico e quantificação de cálcio com espectrometria de absorção atômica. RESULTADOS: Não houve mortalidade imediata, porém dois animais de cada grupo faleceram na evolução tardia. Os enxertos do grupo controle apresentavam intensa calcificação das cúspides e em algumas regiões dos condutos, enquanto que os enxertos descelularizados apresentavam-se preservados, sem calcificações macroscópicas evidentes. Esses resultados foram comprovados por análise histológica e radiográfica. Histologicamente, os enxertos descelularizados tiveram sua matriz melhor preservada e com diminuição acentuada da calcificação. O conteúdo de cálcio nos condutos foi de 35±42 µg/mg de tecido no grupo controle versus 15 ±10 µg/mg nos descelularizados. Nas cúspides valvares, esses valores foram de 264±126 µg/mg no grupo controle versus 94±27 µg/mg nos descelularizados (P=0,009). CONCLUSÃO: A descelularização com SDS 0,1% foi efetiva como método anticalcificante em condutos de pericárdio bovino implantados em modelo circulatório de ovinos por 180 dias.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyze the decellularization process with SDS in glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium as an anticalcification method in a circulatory sheep model. METHODS: The valved tubs were implanted in pulmonary artery position in sheep by 180 days. The animals were divided in two groups of 8 animals: control group glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium and the study group - decellularized bovine pericardium with 0,1% SDS and glutaraldehyde-preserved. After explantation the tubs were analized by x-ray macroscopy, hematoxilin-eosin, alizarin-red and Russel-Movatz pentacromic histology. The calcium content was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: There was no early mortality, but two animals in each group died during the study. All cusps in the control group were severely calcified and in some points in the conduits, while the decellularized group did not show macroscopic calcification. Data were proved by x-ray and histologycal exams. The matrix was preserved in histologycal analysis in decellularized group, without gross calcification. The wall conduits calcium content was 35,25±42,13 µg/mg in the control group versus 15,75±10,44 µg/mg in the decellularized one: in the cusps was 264,4±126,16 µg/mg in control group versus 94,29±27,05 µg/mg in decellularized group (P=0,009). CONCLUSION: The decellularization with 0.1% SDS was effective as an anticalcification method in bovine pericardial grafts implanted in a sheep circulatory model for 180 days.

Thirteen years' experience with the Ross Operation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aim was to evaluate 13 years' results of the Ross operation, with special attention paid to the late function of the pulmonary autograft (PA) and the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) allograft, in an attempt to identify risk factors that might significantly influence their late performance. METHODS: Between May 1995 and March 2006, a total of 272 patients (mean age 30 +/- 11 years) was submitted to a Ross operation at the authors' institution. The most prevalent etiology was rheumatic disease (47%). The PA was implanted as a root replacement in 236 cases, and as an intraluminal cylinder in 36. The RVOT was reconstructed with a cryopreserved allograft in conventional fashion (n=142), with a proximal extension of the allograft with pericardium (n=46), with an allograft decellularized with deoxycholic acid (n=39), or an allograft decellularized with sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) (n=44). The mean follow up was 67 months (range: 1-153 months: the total follow up was 1,525 patient-years. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 2.9% and late survival 93% at 12 years. There were two episodes of cerebral thromboembolism, and six patients developed bacterial endocarditis. Sixteen patients required reoperation for problems involving the PA and/or the RVOT allograft, progression of rheumatic mitral valve disease and iatrogenic coronary insufficiency. After 12 years, 97% and 95% of patients were free from reoperation with the PA and allograft, respectively. Over time, the PA showed increasing dimensions, and 10 patients had a diameter >45 mm. Univariate analysis revealed degenerative disease and aortic annulus >25 mm as significant risk factors for late PA dilatation. Female gender and bicuspid aortic valve were borderline factors for this type of complication. Another 14 patients had late moderate PA insufficiency, and this was correlated with a preoperative diagnosis of aortic insufficiency. Reconstruction of the RVOT with allografts decellularized with SDS were associated with lower gradients at late follow up. CONCLUSION: Late results with the Ross operation were associated with excellent long-term survival and a low incidence of reoperations up to 13 years. Due to late PA dilatation and/or progressive valvar insufficiency, some reoperations may be expected with a longer follow up. For the RVOT reconstruction, the use of decellularized allografts with SDS may prove to be a good alternative to RVOT reconstruction.

L-glutamic acid in the prevention of the calcification of bovine pericardial fixed in glutaraldehyde: study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of L-glutamic acid to prevent calcification of glutaraldehyde bovine pericardium implanted in rats' subcutaneous tissues. METHODS: Fifty four Wistar rats were divided in six groups according to the type of the bovine pericardium implanted. At first, all pericardia were initially cross-linked with 0.5% glutaraldehyd (GDA) fixative for 72 h. In Group I, after the initial fixation, the pericardia were preserved in 0.2% GDA fixative until the implantation, whereas in Group II they were stocked in Paraben solution. In Groups III and IV, after the initial fixation in 0.5% GDA fixative, the pericardia were treated with 8% L-glutamic acid at pH 7.4 and 3.5, respectively, being subsequently stocked in Paraben solution. Groups V and VI were similar to III and IV, except for the concentration of L-Glutamic acid which was 0.8%. Explantation was done at 15, 30, and 60 days, and the specimens submitted to histological analysis with Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Von Kossa stains, besides calcium quantification with atomic spectrofotometry. RESULTS: Microscopic analysis demonstrated severe and progressive calcification in groups I, II, and III, whereas in groups IV, V, and VI calcification, when present, was mild and focal. Spectrofotomety confirmed these findings, revealing calcium contents of 1.93 microg/mg of tissue at 60 days in the control group. Groups IV and VI showed the least calcium contents (0.063 e 0.066, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The use of L-glutamic acid in segments of bovine pericardium with glutaraldehyde fixative was effective in preventing the calcification when implanted in rats' subcutaneous up to 60 days.

Ácido L-glutâmico na prevenção da calcificação de pericárdio bovino fixado em glutaraldeído: estudo em ratos / L-glutamic acid in the prevention of the calcification of bovine pericardial fixed in glutaraldehyde: study in rats

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do ácido L-glutâmico na prevenção da calcificação do pericárdio bovino implantado no subcutâneo de ratos. Método: Utilizaram-se 54 ratos Wistar, distribuídos em seis grupos, de acordo com o segmento de pericárdio bovino implantado...

Dez anos de experiência com a operação de Ross / Ten-year experience with the Ross operation

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados tardios de 10 anos com a operacão de Ross, analisando a sobrevida, incidência de reoperações e desempenho tardio do auto-enxerto pulmonar e homoenxerto da reconstrução da via de saída do ventrículo direito. MÉTODOS: Entre maio/1995 e fevereiro/2005, 227 pacientes com média de idade de 29,1±11 anos foram submetidos à operação de Ross. A etiologia prevalente foi a moléstia reumática em 61 por cento dos casos. O auto-enxerto foi implantado com a técnica de substituição total da raiz em 202 casos, com cilindro intra-luminal em 20 e de forma subcoronariana em 5. A reconstrução da via de saída do ventrículo direito foi feita de forma convencional, com homoenxertos criopreservados (n= 160), com extensão proximal de pericárdio no homoenxerto (n= 41) e com homoenxertos decelularizados (n= 26). O tempo de seguimento pós-operatório variou de 1 - 118 meses ( média= 45,5 meses). RESULTADOS: A mortalidade imediata foi de 3,5 por cento e a sobrevida tardia foi de 96,9 por cento, aos 10 anos. Não houve episódio de tromboembolismo, constatando-se apenas dois casos de endocardite. Onze pacientes foram reoperados, por problemas envolvendo o auto e/ou homoenxerto, progressão de doença reumática mitral e insuficiência coronariana iatrogênica. Após 10 anos, 96,4 por cento e 96,2 por cento dos pacientes estavam livres de reoperação no auto-enxerto e no homoenxerto, respectivamente. Não foi observada dilatação tardia dos auto-enxertos.A reconstrução da via de saída do ventrículo direito com homoenxertos decelularizados diminuiu de forma significativa a incidência de gradientes tardios. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados tardios com a operação de Ross demonstraram excelente sobrevida tardia e baixa incidência de reoperações e morbidade tardia. Consideramos este procedimento a melhor opção no tratamento cirúrgico da valvopatia aórtica em crianças e adultos jovens.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the 10-year outcomes of the Ross Operation, analyzing survival rate, incidence of reoperations, and late performance of pulmonary autografts and homografts in the reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty seven patients with a mean age of 29.1±11 years underwent Ross operation from May 1995 to February 2005. The most prevalent etiology was rheumatic disease in 61 percent of the cases. Autografts were implanted using the total root replacement technique in 202 cases, with intraluminal cylinder in 20, and in the subcoronary position in 5. The right ventricular outflow tract was conventionally reconstructed with cryopreserved homografts (n = 160), with proximal extension of the homograft with pericardium (n = 41), and with decellularized homografts (n = 26). The postoperative follow-up ranged from 1 to 118 months (mean = 45.5 months). RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 3.5 percent, and long-term survival was 96.9 percent at ten years. No episodes of thromboembolism and only two cases of endocarditis occurred. Eleven patients underwent reoperation because of problems related to the auto and/or homograft, progression of rheumatic mitral valve disease, and iatrogenic coronary insufficiency. After 10 years, 96.4 percent and 96.2 percent of the patients were free from reoperation in the autograft and homograft groups, respectively. No late autograft dilatation was observed. Reconstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract with decellularized homografts significantly reduced the incidence of gradients on late follow-up. CONCLUSION: Late outcomes with the Ross Operation were associated with an excellent long-term survival and a low incidence of reoperations and late morbidity. We consider this procedure the best option for the surgical treatment of aortic valve disease in children and young adults.

Ten-year experience with the Ross operation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the 10-year outcomes of the Ross Operation, analyzing survival rate, incidence of reoperations, and late performance of pulmonary autografts and homografts in the reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty seven patients with a mean age of 29.1 +/- 11 years underwent Ross operation from May 1995 to February 2005. The most prevalent etiology was rheumatic disease in 61% of the cases. Autografts were implanted using the total root replacement technique in 202 cases, with intraluminal cylinder in 20, and in the subcoronary position in 5. The right ventricular outflow tract was conventionally reconstructed with cryopreserved homografts (n = 160), with proximal extension of the homograft with pericardium (n = 41), and with decellularized homografts (n = 26). The postoperative follow-up ranged from 1 to 118 months (mean = 45.5 months). RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 3.5%, and long-term survival was 96.9% at ten years. No episodes of thromboembolism and only two cases of endocarditis occurred. Eleven patients underwent reoperation because of problems related to the auto and/or homograft, progression of rheumatic mitral valve disease, and iatrogenic coronary insufficiency. After 10 years, 96.4% and 96.2% of the patients were free from reoperation in the autograft and homograft groups, respectively. No late autograft dilatation was observed. Reconstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract with decellularized homografts significantly reduced the incidence of gradients on late follow-up. CONCLUSION: Late outcomes with the Ross Operation were associated with an excellent long-term survival and a low incidence of reoperations and late morbidity. We consider this procedure the best option for the surgical treatment of aortic valve disease in children and young adults.