title: Combined superior and right lateral left atriotomy with division of the superior vena cava for exposure of the mitral valve.
abstract: Division of the superior vena cava allows combined use of the superior and right lateral approaches to the mitral valve when exposure is inadequate with either approach alone. I have not recognized complications related to this procedure in my experience with 3 patients.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000601:surgery; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery; D008946:Mitral Valve Stenosis / Q000601:surgery*; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000601:surgery*