Ross Procedure in Adolescence: Replacement is Better Than Repair, Mostly

Abstract

Surgical management of isolated aortic valve pathology in adolescents primarily involves aortic valve repair and the Ross procedure, each with distinct advantages and limitations influenced by anatomical considerations. The optimal surgical strategy in this population remains a subject of ongoing debate, as it must balance the need for future growth potential with the goal of maintaining near-normal hemodynamics while minimizing reinterventions and maximizing survival. Ultimately, the choice of procedure should be tailored to the patient's clinical and anatomical characteristics. Here, we critically examine the existing data on aortic valve repair, with a particular emphasis on the role and outcomes of the Ross procedure in adolescents.