Donald Ross

Donald Ross

Name	Donald Ross
Birth name
Birth date	October 4, 1922
Birth place	Johannesburg, South Africa
Death date	July 7, 2014
Death place	London, England
Alma mater
Occupation	Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Years active
Organization
Known for	Pioneering heart valve surgery
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Donald Nixon Ross (October 4, 1922 – July 7, 2014) was a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon known for his pioneering work in heart valve surgery. He is best known for developing the Ross procedure, a surgical technique used to treat aortic valve disease.

Early Life and Education

Donald Ross was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. He pursued his medical education at the University of Cape Town, where he graduated with a degree in medicine. Ross furthered his training in surgery in the United Kingdom, where he developed a keen interest in cardiothoracic surgery.

Career

Ross's career in cardiothoracic surgery began in earnest when he joined the staff at the National Heart Hospital in London. He quickly became known for his innovative approaches to heart surgery, particularly in the area of heart valve replacement.

Development of the Ross Procedure

The Ross procedure is a type of aortic valve replacement surgery where the patient's own pulmonary valve is used to replace the diseased aortic valve. The pulmonary valve is then replaced with a homograft (a valve from a deceased donor). This procedure is particularly beneficial for young patients as it allows the new aortic valve to grow with the patient and does not require lifelong anticoagulation therapy.

Ross first performed this procedure in 1967, and it has since become a standard treatment option for aortic valve disease, especially in pediatric and young adult patients.

Other Contributions

In addition to the Ross procedure, Donald Ross made significant contributions to the development of homograft valves and techniques for their preservation and implantation. His work laid the foundation for modern heart valve surgery and has saved countless lives.

Awards and Recognition

Donald Ross received numerous awards throughout his career, including the prestigious Lasker Award for his contributions to medical science. He was also a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and received honorary degrees from several universities.

Personal Life

Ross was married and had three children. He was known for his dedication to his patients and his passion for teaching the next generation of surgeons.

Legacy

Donald Ross's legacy lives on through the many surgeons he trained and the countless patients who have benefited from his innovations in heart surgery. The Ross procedure remains a vital option for aortic valve replacement, and his work continues to influence the field of cardiothoracic surgery.

Also see

• Cardiothoracic surgery
• Heart valve surgery
• Aortic valve replacement
• Pulmonary valve
• Homograft