Biomechanical future of the growing pulmonary autograft in Ross operation

Abstract

It has been few years since the preliminary translational research study on mechanics performance of autologous pulmonary tissue were published to circumvent complication relies to SVD. Several studies reported the modification of pulmonary native autograft root subjected to dynamic stress strain in long-term outcomes of aortic valve replacement. Our multidisciplinary research team firstly describe the weave relationship between stress-strain, growth and remodelling in an experimental model of Ross Operation. From a biomechanical point of view, the rapid absorption of polydioxanone constituting the internal part of the device may limit the potential negative effect of excessive stretching and improvement of steeper curve in the circumferential response. Improvement of longitudinal stretching of pulmonary autograft by external component of device are indicative of auxetic effect of e-PTFE. Successful reinforcement with semiresorbable device can also be favourable to pulmonary autograft function in growing patients needing to match somatic growth. The attendant decrease in PA expansion and the preserved features of the valve leaflets enhances durability of Ross operation. Strengthening of the distal pulmonary root anastomosis using external reinforcement, modifying the ascending phase of the circumferential stress curve, might be advisable as previously described. PA is an ideal substitute for aortic valve replacement not only in Mr. Ross’s dreams but also from the biomechanical point of view.