Video-assisted cardiac myxoma resection: basket technique for complete and safe removal from the heart

Video assistance can replace sternotomy in cardiac operations with excellent results. Because myxomas are very friable tumors, their removal from the heart and chest cavity through a working port in video-assisted or robotic procedures may be challenging. We used a laparoscopic basket to safely catch and remove these friable tumors in 10 patients undergoing video-assisted myxoma resection between December 2008 and June 2011. Complete excision and removal was achieved in all patients. No neurologic, vascular, or wound complications were observed. This minimally invasive myxoma technique gives excellent and reproducible results without a higher risk for the patient.