Application of an Epicardial Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device by a Robotic-Assisted, Right Chest Approach.
Closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) has become a standard part of any mitral valve operation because it is thought to reduce the potential for late thrombus development and for embolic events. To date, surgeons performing robotic mitral valve operations have been limited to an endocardial approach to LAA closure. However, oversewing the orifice of the LAA is time consuming and lengthens the cross-clamp time, and failures to obtain permanent closure have been reported. We describe our technique for an epicardial approach that is safe and efficient and that gives a secure closure of the LAA.
Division of Cardiac Surgery, Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama. Electronic address: clifton.lewis@bhsala.com.
Clifton T P
CT
Lewis
Division of Cardiac Surgery, Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama.
Richard L
RL
Stephens
Division of Cardiac Surgery, Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama.
Vernon D
VD
Horst
Division of Cardiac Surgery, Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama.
Margaret
M
Angelillo
Division of Cardiovascular Perfusion, UAB Hospitals, Birmingham, Alabama.
Charles M
CM
Tyndal
D020517:Atrial Appendage / Q000601:surgery*; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D010496:Pericardium / Q000601:surgery; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*