title: Operative approaches to the left atrium and mitral valve apparatus.
abstract: Traditional and alternative approaches to the mitral valve apparatus are presented. The median sternotomy and vertical left atriotomy approach affords adequate exposure in most cases. However, there are occasions when an alternative approach may be warranted.
authors.affiliation: St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center, 301 Prospect Avenue, Syracuse, New York 13203, USA.
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Pezzella
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Effler
authors.forename: I E
authors.initials: IE
authors.lastname: Levy