Optimizing the exposure in minimally invasive mitral surgery: a new left atrial retractor system.
Optimal exposure of the mitral valve is paramount in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and a prerequisite for successful mitral valve repair or replacement. We report the concept of a new left atrial retractor (Karl Storz GmbH, Tuttlingen, Germany) dedicated to MIS. The effectiveness of the device was evaluated in a prospective series of 40 patients successfully operated at our institution.
Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Anesthesiological, and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Ernesto
E
Greco
Department of Cardiac Surgery, St Thomas Hospital London, London, UK.
David
D
Rose
Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Anesthesiological, and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Francesco
F
Irace
Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy;; Department of Angiocardioneurology, IRCCS Neuromed Pozzilli, Pozzilli, Italy.
Giacomo
G
Frati
Minimally invasive; atrial retraction; mitral surgery; mitral valve repair; mitral valve replacement