The Ross Procedure, also known as the pulmonary autograft procedure for aortic replacement uses the patient's own pulmonic valve to replace the diseased aortic valve.   This has the distinct advantage of being a totally living human valve.   It’s flow characteristics are better than any artificial valve and it will never damage blood cells or cause clotting so no blood thinners are necessary. 

Some basic definitions of terms and pictorial descriptions of anatomy involved are provided by way of background information.

Some of the material includes actual intra-operative pictures or video clips of real operations which can be a bit graphic to some people. The animated presentation is a more artistic view of the concepts involved and a reasonable introduction to the operative technique.

The historical development of the operation as well as its potential benefits and risks are discussed in detail along with a discussion of who is and who is not a candidate for the Ross Procedure.

Finally, a discussion of alternative valve operations is also provided but in much abbreviated form.