Alternative method to improve exposure for difficult mitral valve procedures.
Although the classical approaches for mitral valve surgery have remained standard over the years, variations have been described and implemented in an attempt to improve exposure of the mitral valve apparatus. A technical alternative that affords excellent exposure of the roof of the left atrium, allowing for an enlarged left atriotomy and precluding the need for more radical surgical maneuvers and their potential complications, is described.
D001401:Azygos Vein / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000601:surgery