The Ross procedure is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged aortic valve with the patient’s own pulmonary valve, which is then replaced with a donated pulmonary valve. This procedure is used to treat aortic valve disease, a condition that can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Practical Cardiology states that this study demonstrates that while there is a definite risk of reoperation after the Ross procedure, the associated risk is low.

Medical tourism platforms like Medditour connect the patients seeking Ross procedure with international hospitals and facilitators to enable them get cost-effective and quality oriented solution.

Let’s understand about the Ross procedure, its significance, and how medical tourism in India, Dubai, Thailand, and Turkey would have an impact on this procedure.

Ross Procedure

The Ross procedure was first developed in 1967 by Dr. Donald Ross, a British surgeon. Since then, it has become an increasingly popular option for treating aortic valve disease. The procedure is particularly effective for young patients who are active and have a long life expectancy.

The Ross procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes around 4-6 hours. The surgeon first removes the damaged aortic valve and then removes the pulmonary valve from the patient’s own heart. This pulmonary valve is then cleaned and prepared for transplantation.

Next, the surgeon uses the pulmonary valve to replace the damaged aortic valve. The pulmonary valve is replaced using the donated valve. This new valve may be either a tissue valve or a mechanical valve, depending on the patient’s individual needs.

After the procedure, patients typically stay in the hospital for 5-7 days. They may experience some pain and discomfort in the chest, but this can be managed with medication. Patients will also need to take blood-thinning medication for several months after the procedure to prevent blood clots from forming.

Significance of Ross Procedure

The significance of the Ross procedure lies in its ability to provide a durable solution for aortic valve disease. Unlike other types of valve replacement surgeries, which use artificial valves that may wear out over time, the Ross procedure uses the patient’s own tissue. This means that the new valve is less likely to fail and may last for the patient’s lifetime.

American College of Cardiology states that Ross procedure patients experienced superior unadjusted long-term survival at 20 years (Ross: 95% vs. mechanical: 68%).

Impact of medical tourism on Ross procedure

The Ross procedure has become a popular option for medical tourism in countries such as India, Thailand, Dubai, and Turkey. These countries offer high-quality medical care at a fraction of the cost of Western countries. Additionally, many of these countries have highly skilled and experienced medical professionals who are trained in the latest surgical techniques.

Patients who choose to undergo the Ross procedure in one of these countries may be able to save thousands of dollars on their medical bills.

In addition to cost savings, medical tourism for the Ross procedure may also offer patients shorter wait times for surgery. In many countries, the wait time for non-emergency surgeries can be months or even years. By traveling to a different country for the procedure, patients may be able to receive treatment much sooner.

Medical tourism companies like Medditour also provide opportunities for the patients undergoing the Ross procedure abroad to combine their treatments with vacation.

In conclusion, the Ross procedure is a significant advancement in the treatment of aortic valve disease. It provides a durable solution for patients and has become an increasingly popular option for medical tourism.