To whom it may concern,

Latashilin Vasili, date of birth 9/1/l993 was operated in cardiac surgery department of Children's Hospital #1, St.Petersburg, Russia at 12/24/1993 as a infant with severe congenital heart detect. It was noted that he had critical stenosis of aortic valve at that time. Comissurotomy of tricuspid stenotic valve was done under coronary-pulmonary bypass and cardioplegia. Operation was successful in relieving obstruction (70 mm Hg before operation). There were no problems in his post-operative recovery, but during later follow-up moderate regurgitation on the valve was noted. There is progressive increase in left verticle dimensions during past three years. Function of the left ventricle is preserved. Echo results from 10/1/1997:

• AI II-III ( moderate-severe )
• L VEDD=5 cm..
• EF=0.6

It is believed, that this patient require Ross operation (replacement of aortic valve by the pulmonary autotransplant and replacement of the pulmonary valve by homograft). Unfortunately, this type of procedure is currently unavailable in Russia. There are several European and American centers that provide this operation on regular basis. I think this operation must be done during next 1-2 years, while left ventricular function is going to be good.

I would like to address those people who cares, to help this child and save his life by all means. I am ready to give any additional information.

Lubomudrov Vadim, MD