Valve-sparing aortic root remodeling for pulmonary autograft aneurysm.

The case is reported of a 42-year-old patient who underwent a Ross procedure for aortic valve insufficiency due to endocarditis in 1991, using the free-standing root technique. Autograft valve function was stable for up to 10 years postoperatively, though dilation of the autograft root occurred. With an increasing size of the root diameter (50 mm), however, progressive aortic regurgitation developed which necessitated reoperation. A valve-sparing autograft root remodeling procedure, according to Yacoub, was performed with excellent resultant valve function.