Modified Ross-Konno procedure in children: subcoronary implantation technique with Konno incision for annular and subannular hypoplasia.

OBJECTIVES

The technique of subcoronary autograft implantation for the Ross procedure has shown excellent durability of aortic valve function in adults. However, its use in children with hypoplastic aortic annulus or multilevel left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) was traditionally precluded. We combined this technique with a Konno incision and evaluated LVOTO relief and durability of the autograft function in growing patients.

METHODS

Between January 2012 and January 2017, 13 patients with severe LVOTO and hypoplastic aortic annulus underwent Ross-Konno procedure with subcoronary autograft implantation. The median age at operation was 14 months. Six were infants. Concomitant procedures included resection of endocardial fibroelastosis (n = 9), mitral valvuloplasty (n = 2) and aortic arch repair (n = 1). The Konno incision was enlarged with a patch. The autograft was implanted beneath the ostia of the coronary arteries, retaining external support by the native aortic annulus.

RESULTS

A newborn with hypoplastic left heart complex and Turner syndrome died in hospital: early mortality of 7.7%. No residual LVOTO or autograft regurgitation was observed at discharge. At a median follow-up of 20 months, no death had occurred. No catheter or surgical reintervention on the aortic valve or any LVOT site was needed. All peak pressure gradients across the LVOT were <10 mmHg. No autograft regurgitation was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The Ross procedure using subcoronary implantation technique combined with LVOT Konno enlargement is feasible even in patients with multilevel LVOTO and marked size discrepancy between the autograft and native aortic annulus. Longer follow-up is indicated to confirm the expected durability of the autograft function.