Long-term outcomes of the use of a polytetrafluoroethylene-valved conduit for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in adult Ross patients

To reconstruct the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) during the Ross procedure, various types of conduits are used. However, their application is often limited due to donor availability. A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) valved conduit can be considered a viable alternative. This study summarizes 17 years of experience with RVOT reconstruction via polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-valved conduits in adult patients who underwent the Ross procedure. To collect data, an extensive search of our clinic’s medical database was conducted. Follow-up data were collected either via phone calls or during in-person visits. Between 2007 and 2018, 20 adult patients (> 18 years old) who underwent RVOT reconstruction with PTFE valved conduits were retrospectively analysed. The mean patient age was 39.8 ± 14.3 years, and the mean follow-up period was 9.9 ± 3.5 years. Echocardiography was used to assess conduit function during follow-up. There was one early death and one late death. The mean conduit size was 25.3 ± 1.5 mm, and the mean peak RVOT gradient was 23.3 ± 11.7 mmHg. Mild or less regurgitation was observed in 7 patients (35%), moderate - in 2 patients (10%), with no cases of severe regurgitation observed. Freedom from conduit dysfunction at the latest follow-up was 90%. Conduit replacement was successfully performed in one patient. For RVOT reconstruction in adult patients undergoing the Ross procedure, a PTFE valved conduit is a feasible alternative without compromising surgical outcomes. Retrospectively registered.