To describe the implementation of a dedicated adult Ross program and evaluate early clinical and hemodynamic outcomes in a high-complexity cardiovascular center in South America.
Approach:
Key Findings:
29 patients included (13.8% female; age range: 21–61).
Main surgical indications: severe aortic stenosis (34.5%), mixed lesions (34.5%), severe aortic regurgitation (27.6%).
86.2% had bicuspid aortic valves.
Associated procedures were performed in 24.1% of cases.
Median cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 205 and 230 min, respectively.
Early complications included perioperative stroke in 3 patients (10.3%).
No severe autograft or homograft regurgitation was observed during follow-up.
Interpretation:
The implementation of a dedicated Ross program in a high-complexity center is feasible and associated with acceptable early postoperative outcomes, but further studies are needed to assess long-term durability.
Limitations:
Short median follow-up of 295 days.
Small sample size of 29 patients.
Potential biases in patient selection.
Conclusion:
The findings support the feasibility and short-term safety of the Ross procedure; longer follow-up and larger cohorts are needed for durability assessment.
