For a further discussion on the advantages and disadvantages, please review the section on Pros and Cons . Candidates for the Ross procedure must demonstrate significant aortic valve disease, either stenosis, regurgitation, or both. Once symptoms occur, patients should recieve a new aortic valve to prevent serious consequences and death. Echocardiograms and invasive testing such as cardiac catheterization will be needed to determine if the aortic valve and the heart have declined enough to warrant surgical intervention. The calcification and leaflet stiffening typically seen in chronic aortic valve disease makes it difficult to repair the native valve in most cases.
Valve replacement is still superior to repair operations in nearly all circumstances.
Mechanical and tissue prosthetic valves are the most common replacement devices in use today. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. However, in many situations, the Ross procedure is now clearly the most effective treatment for aortic valve disease. All reconstructions are done with natural materials. The crucial aortic valve reconstruction is performed entirely with the patients own pulmonary valve.