title: Right atrial and septal reconstruction after tumor excision: the single-patch technique.
abstract: Surgical excision is the only therapy for benign atrial tumors, if serious complications are to be avoided. We propose a simplified technique whereupon a single autologous pericardial patch is used to not only close the septal defect, but to also reconstruct the right atrium. This new technique allows for wide excision of tumors without reduction of the right atrium, distortion of the tricuspid valve or traction on the atrioventricular node. We propose that this new approach will probably reduce the incidence of postoperative arrhythmias.
authors.affiliation: First Division of Cardiac Surgery and Transplantation Services, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece. colettistheo@yahoo.gr
authors.forename: Theofilos N
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Kolettis
authors.forename: Loukas P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Tsourelis
authors.forename: George T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Stavridis
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Alivizatos
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000601:surgery; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010496:Pericardium / Q000637:transplantation*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014262:Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control