Great Falls Hospital Introduces the Ross Procedure, Expanding Advanced Heart Surgery Options for the Community

Great Falls Hospital is expanding its cardiac care capabilities with the introduction of the Ross procedure, a complex heart surgery offering a durable, natural solution for aortic valve replacement. The procedure is being performed by Dr. Simon Maltais, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon who joined the hospital’s program in July 2024.

A Novel Approach to Aortic Valve Replacement

The Ross procedure uniquely utilizes a patient’s own pulmonary valve to replace a diseased aortic valve. This approach differs from traditional methods that often rely on prosthetic valves. According to the hospital, this technique offers several potential benefits, including improved durability, better long-term survival rates for healthy patients, and a reduced need for lifelong blood thinners.

Did You Know? Dr. Maltais led a hands-on demonstration of the Ross procedure for Touro University medical students, utilizing a pig heart to illustrate the surgical technique.

The Ross procedure is particularly advantageous for younger patients seeking a long-lasting solution that preserves their quality of life. Great Falls Hospital reports having already successfully performed Ross procedures, establishing its program as a leading centre for heart surgery in the region.

Expanding Cardiac Services

The addition of the Ross procedure builds upon Great Falls Hospital’s existing range of advanced cardiac services. These include complex aortic surgery, less invasive heart valve interventions, and surgical options for high-risk heart failure. The hospital’s commitment to providing specialized care close to home is a key driver behind this expansion.

Expert Insight: Offering a procedure like the Ross, traditionally found only in major metropolitan centres, demonstrates a significant investment in regional healthcare access and specialized expertise. This could reduce the burden on patients who previously needed to travel long distances for advanced cardiac care.

Mark Robinson, CEO of the Great Falls Clinic and Hospital, emphasized the significance of bringing this level of care to Montana. He stated that this achievement reflects a continued commitment to investing in cutting-edge care for patients within their community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ross procedure?

The Ross procedure is a heart surgery that uses a patient’s own pulmonary valve to replace their diseased aortic valve.

Who is Dr. Simon Maltais?

Dr. Simon Maltais is a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon who joined Great Falls Hospital’s program in July 2024 and performs the Ross procedure.

What other heart procedures does Great Falls Hospital offer?

Great Falls Hospital also offers complex aortic surgery, less invasive heart valve interventions, and high-risk heart failure surgery.

As the program continues to grow, it may explore further advancements in cardiac care and potentially expand the range of specialized procedures available to patients in the region. The hospital could also focus on increasing awareness of the Ross procedure and its benefits among both patients and referring physicians. Further development of the training program for medical students, like the demonstration led by Dr. Maltais, is also a possible next step.