Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Resection of Ventricular Myxoma: Case Report

Primary cardiac tumors are rare occurrences, and their surgical management is typically performed through a conventional median sternotomy. However, advances in minimally invasive techniques have made it possible to use alternative approaches associated with reduced surgical trauma and faster recovery. We present the case of a 31-year-old patient with no relevant medical history, in whom a left ventricular mass was incidentally discovered. Transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a pedunculated mass attached to the interventricular septum. Complete resection of the tumor was performed through a right video-assisted mini-thoracotomy, with cardiopulmonary bypass support. The postoperative course was uneventful, permitting discharge on postoperative day three and resumption of work two weeks after surgery. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a ventricular myxoma. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports in Chile of left ventricular myxoma resection using a minimally invasive approach. This case suggests that video-assisted mini-thoracotomy may be a safe and effective alternative for the resection of left ventricular myxomas in selected patients, offering faster recovery and reduced operative morbidity.