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Clinical Policy Bulletin:
Selected Aortic Valve Procedures: Ross Pulmonary Autograft and Aortic Valve-Sparing Re-implantation
Number: 0407


Policy

  1. Aetna considers the Ross pulmonary autograft procedure medically necessary for members undergoing aortic valve replacement secondary to either congenital anomalies or aortic valve disease, such as:

    1. Aortic incompetence (including endocarditis, rheumatism of the heart); or
    2. Aortic stenosis; or
    3. Complex left ventricular outflow tract obstruction; or

    4. Congenital lesions.

    Contraindications to this procedure are presented as an Appendix to the Background section.

    Aetna considers the Ross pulmonary autograft experimental and investigational for all other indications because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established.

  2. Aetna considers aortic valve-sparing re-implantation medically necessary for the treatment of secondary aortic regurgitation due to aortic root dilatation as occurs in Marfan syndrome as well as for the treatment of type A acute aortic dissections (i.e., dissection of the ascending and descending aorta).

    Aetna considers aortic valve sparing re-implanatation experimental and investigational for all other indications because its effectiveness for indications other than the ones listed above has not been established.



Background

Patients undergoing aortic valve replacement may consider 3 options: (i) a prosthetic valve, (ii) a homograft valve, or (iii) a pulmonary autograft (i.e., the Ross procedure).  Ross pulmonary autograft refers to essentially a double valve replacement in which the native pulmonic valve is substituted for the diseased aortic valve, while a homograft prosthetic valve replaces the pulmonic valve.  This procedure was first devised in 1967 and sought to provide a permanent aortic valve substitution, which would not degenerate like a homograft valve and would not require chronic anti-coagulation therapy like a prosthetic valve.  The risk:benefit ratio involves a balance between a more complicated surgical procedure (essentially a double valve replacement) and a potentially more durable and physiologic aortic valve replacement.  Furthermore, it is thought that the autografted pulmonary valve will grow with the young patient, thus obviating the need for re-operation.  Studies have also shown that the Ross procedure resulted in significant improvement in left ventricular wall thickness and outflow tract velocity not observed in allograft aortic valve replacements in children.  For these reasons, the Ross procedure is considered most appropriate for young adults.  Candidates for this procedure should be adequately counseled on the various valve replacement alternatives.

In a systematic review and meta-analysis, Takkenberg et al (2009) stated that the Ross procedure provides satisfactory results for both children and young adults (less than or equal to 50 years of age).  Furthermore, David (2009) noted that young adults with aortic stenosis and normal-size aortic root are the best candidates for the Ross procedure.

Aortic valve-sparing re-implantation is a valve-sparing technique employed for patients with aortic regugitation secondary to aortic root dilatation in which valvular insufficiency is due to outward displacement of the valve commissures.  This technique, which is different from aortic valve repair, has the advantages of lack of requirement for anti-coagulation and avoidance of other problems and complications associated with mechanical prosthetic valves.  Although primarily used for secondary aortic regurgitation due to root dilatation as occurs in Marfan syndrome, guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology (Erbel et al, 2001) stated that aortic valve-sparing re-implantation may also be indicated for patients with type A acute aortic dissections (i.e., dissection of the ascending and descending aorta).

 

Appendix

The pulmonary autograft procedure is contraindicated in individuals with the following conditions:

  • Extremes of age; or
  • Marfan's syndrome; or
  • Multiple pathology in which a second valve replacement device is needed; or
  • Multi-vessel coronary artery disease; or
  • Severely depressed left ventricular function.
 
CPT Codes / HCPCS Codes / ICD-9 Codes
CPT codes covered if selection criteria are met:
33413
Other CPT codes related to the CPB:
33400 - 33403
ICD-9 codes covered if selection criteria are met:
395.0 Rheumatic aortic stenosis
395.1 Rheumatic aortic insufficiency
424.1 Aortic valve disorders
747.20 - 747.29 Other anomalies of aorta
746.3 Congenital stenosis of aortic valve
746.4 Congenital insufficiency of aortic valve
Other ICD-9 codes related to the CPB:
396.0 - 396.9 Disease of mitral and aortic valve
414.00 - 414.07 Coronary atherosclerosis
745.0 Common truncus
746.89 - 746.9 Other and unspecified anomaly of heart
747.10 - 747.11 Coarctation of aorta
759.82 Marfan syndrome
V42.2 Heart valve replaced by transplant
V43.3 Heart valve replaced by other means


The above policy is based on the following references:
  1. Ross D, Jackson M, Davies J. The pulmonary autograft - a permanent aortic valve. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 1992;6(3)113-116; discussion 117.
  2. Elkins RC, Santangelo K, Stelzer P, et al. Pulmonary autograft replacement of the aortic valve: An evolution of technique. J Cardiac Surg. 1992;7(2):108-116.
  3. Kouchoukos NT, Davila-Roman VG, Spray TL, et al. Replacement of the aortic root with a pulmonary autograft in children and young adults with aortic-valve disease. N Engl J Med. 1994;330(1):1-6.
  4. Joyce F, Tingleff J, Pettersson G. Expanding indications for the Ross operation. J Heart Valve Dis. 1995;4(4):352-363.
  5. Reddy VM, Rajasinghe HA, Teitel DF, et al. Aortoventriculoplasty with the pulmonary autograft: The 'Ross-Konno' procedure. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1996;111(1):158-167.
  6. Oury JH. Clinical aspects of the Ross procedure: Indications and contraindications. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1996;8(4):328-335.
  7. Chambers JC, Somerville J, Stone S, Ross DN. Pulmonary autograft procedure for aortic valve disease. Circulation. 1997;96(7):2206-2214.
  8. Walters HL 3rd, Lobdell KW, Tantengco V, et al. The Ross procedure in children and young adults with congenital aortic valve disease. J Heart Valve Dis. 1997;6(4):335-342.
  9. Elkins RC, Knott-Craig CJ, Ward KE, Lane MM. The Ross operation in children: 10-year experience. Ann Thorac Surg. 1998;65(2):496-502.
  10. Jaggers J, Harrison JK, Bashore TM, et al. The Ross procedure: Shorter hospital stay, decreased morbidity, and cost effective. Ann Thorac Surg. 1998;65(6):1553-1557; discussion 1557-1558..
  11. Jones TK, Lupinetti FM. Comparison of Ross procedures and aortic valve allografts in children. Ann Thorac Surg. 1998;66(Suppl 6):S170-S173.
  12. Rubay JE, Buche M, El Khoury GA, et al. The Ross operation: Mid-term results. Ann Thorac Surg. 1999;67(5):1355-1358.
  13. Roughneen PT, DeLeon SY, Eidem BW, et al. Semilunar valve switch procedure: Autotransplantation of the native aortic valve to the pulmonary position in the Ross procedure. Ann Thorac Surg. 1999;67(3):745-750.
  14. Oswalt JD. Acceptance and versatility of the Ross procedure. Curr Opin Cardiol. 1999;14(2):90-94.
  15. Legarra JJ, Concha M, Casares J, et al. Left ventricular remodeling after pulmonary autograft replacement of the aortic valve (Ross operation). J Heart Valve Dis. 2001;10(1):43-48.
  16. Linden PA, Cohn LH. Medium-term follow up of pulmonary autograft aortic valve replacement: Technical advances and echocardiographic follow up. J Heart Valve Dis. 2001;10(1):35-42.
  17. Briand M, Pibarot P, Dumesnil JG, et al. Midterm echocardiographic follow-up after Ross operation. Circulation. 2000;102(19 Suppl 3):III10-III14.
  18. Laforest I, Dumesnil JG, Briand M, et al. Hemodynamic performance at rest and during exercise after aortic valve replacement: Comparison of pulmonary autografts versus aortic homografts. Circulation. 2002;106(12 Suppl 1):I57-I62.
  19. Takkenberg JJ, Dossche KM, Hazekamp MG, et al. Report of the Dutch experience with the Ross procedure in 343 patients. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2002;22(1):70-77.
  20. Al-Halees Z, Pieters F, Qadoura F, et al. The Ross procedure is the procedure of choice for congenital aortic valve disease. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2002;123(3):437-441; discussion 441-442.
  21. Dalshaug DB, Caldarone CA, Camp P. Aortic valve disease and the Ross operation. eMedicine Pediatrics Topic 2823. Omaha, NE: eMedicine.com; updated July 18, 2003. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic2823.htm. Accessed June 24, 2004.
  22. Raja SG, Pozzi M. Growth of pulmonary autograft after Ross operation in pediatric patients. Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2004;12(4):285-290.
  23. Concha M, Aranda PJ, Casares J, et al. Prospective evaluation of aortic valve replacement in young adults and middle-aged patients: Mechanical prosthesis versus pulmonary autograft. J Heart Valve Dis. 2005;14(1):40-46.
  24. Jamieson WRE, Cartier PC. Surgical management of valvular heart disease 2004. Canadian Cardiovascular Society Consensus Conference. Can J Cardiol. 2004;20(Suppl E):7E-120E.
  25. Erbel R, Alfonso F, Boileau C, et al; Task Force on Aortic Dissection, European Society of Cardiology. Diagnosis and management of aortic dissection. Eur Heart J. 2001;22(18):1642-1681.
  26. David TE, Ivanov J, Armstrong S, et al. Aortic valve-sparing operations in patients with aneurysms of the aortic root ro ascending aortia. Ann Thorac Surg. 2002;74(5):S1758-S1761; discussion S1792-S1799.
  27. Karck M, Kallenbach K, Hagl C, et al. Aortic root surgery in Marfan syndrome: Comparison of aortic valve-sparing reimplantation versus composite grafting. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2004;127(2):391-398.
  28. Kallenbach K, Karck M, Pak D, et al. Decade of aortic valve sparing reimplantation: Are we pushing the limits too far? Circulation. 2005;112(9 Suppl):I253-I259.
  29. Pacini D, Settepani F, De Paulis R, et al. Early results of valve-sparing reimplantation procedure using the Valsalva conduit: A multicenter study. Ann Thorac Surg. 2006;82(3):865-871; discussion 871-872.
  30. Kallenbach K, Baraki H, Khaladj N, et al. Aortic valve-sparing operation in Marfan syndrome: What do we know after a decade? Ann Thorac Surg. 2007;83(2):S764-S768; discussion S785-S790.
  31. Settepani F, Szeto WY, Pacini D, et al. Reimplantation valve-sparing aortic root replacement in Marfan syndrome using the Valsalva conduit: An intercontinental multicenter study. Ann Thorac Surg. 2007;83(2):S769-S773; discussion S785-S790.
  32. Ono M, Goerler H, Kallenbach K, et al. Aortic valve-sparing reimplantation for dilatation of the ascending aorta and aortic regurgitation late after repair of congenital heart disease. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2007;133(4):876-879.
  33. Matsumori M, Tanaka H, Kawanishi Y, et al. Comparison of distensibility of the aortic root and cusp motion after aortic root replacement with two reimplantation techniques: Valsalva graft versus tube graft. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2007;6(2):177-181.
  34. Raja SG, Pollock JC. Current outcomes of Ross operation for pediatric and adolescent patients. J Heart Valve Dis. 2007;16(1):27-36.
  35. Hanke T, Stierle U, Boehm JO, et al; German Ross Registry. Autograft regurgitation and aortic root dimensions after the Ross procedure: The German Ross Registry experience. Circulation. 2007;116(11 Suppl):I251-I258.
  36. Kabbani S, Jamil H, Nabhani F, et al. Analysis of 92 mitral pulmonary autograft replacement (Ross II) operations. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2007;134(4):902-908.
  37. David TE. Ross procedure at the crossroads. Circulation. 2009;119(2):207-209.
  38. Takkenberg JJ, Klieverik LM, Schoof PH, et al. The Ross procedure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Circulation. 2009;119(2):222-228.
  39. Volguina IV, Miller DC, Lemaire SA, et al; Aortic Valve Operative Outcomes in Marfan Patients study group. Valve-sparing and valve-replacing techniques for aortic root replacement in patients with Marfan syndrome: Analysis of early outcome. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2009;137(3):641-649.
  40. Alsoufi B, Al-Halees Z, Manlhiot C, et al. Mechanical valves versus the Ross procedure for aortic valve replacement in children: Propensity-adjusted comparison of long-term outcomes. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2009;137(2):362-370.
  41. Piccardo A, Ghez O, Gariboldi V, et al. Ross and Ross-Konno procedures in infants, children and adolescents: A 13-year experience. J Heart Valve Dis. 2009;18(1):76-82; discussion 83.
  42. David TE, Woo A, Armstrong S, Maganti M. When is the Ross operation a good option to treat aortic valve disease? J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2010;139(1):68-73; discussion 73-75.
  43. Kerendi F, Guyton RA, Vega JD, et al. Early results of valve-sparing aortic root replacement in high-risk clinical scenarios. Ann Thorac Surg. 2010;89(2):471-476; discussion 477-478.
  44. Forteza A, De Diego J, Centeno J, et al. Aortic valve-sparing in 37 patients with Marfan syndrome: Midterm results with David operation. Ann Thorac Surg. 2010;89(1):93-96.
  45. Alsoufi B, Al-Halees Z, Manlhiot C, et al. Superior results following the Ross procedure in patients with congenital heart disease. J Heart Valve Dis. 2010;19(3):269-277; discussion 278.
  46. El-Hamamsy I, Eryigit Z, Stevens LM, et al. Long-term outcomes after autograft versus homograft aortic root replacement in adults with aortic valve disease: A randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2010;376(9740):524-531.
  47. Wang R, Ma WG, Tian LX, et al. Valve-sparing operation for aortic root aneurysm in patients with Marfan syndrome. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2010;58(2):76-80.
  48. Liu L, Wang W, Wang X, et al. Reimplantation versus remodeling: A meta-analysis. J Card Surg. 2011;26(1):82-87.
  49. Patel ND, Arnaoutakis GJ, George TJ, et al. Valve-sparing aortic root replacement in children: Intermediate-term results. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2011;12(3):415-419.
  50. Benedetto U, Melina G, Takkenberg JJ, et al. Surgical management of aortic root disease in Marfan syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart. 2011;97(12):955-958.


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Copyright Aetna Inc. All rights reserved. Clinical Policy Bulletins are developed by Aetna to assist in administering plan benefits and constitute neither offers of coverage nor medical advice. This Clinical Policy Bulletin contains only a partial, general description of plan or program benefits and does not constitute a contract. Aetna does not provide health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. Participating providers are independent contractors in private practice and are neither employees nor agents of Aetna or its affiliates. Treating providers are solely responsible for medical advice and treatment of members. This Clinical Policy Bulletin may be updated and therefore is subject to change.
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