Left Atrial Myxoma Resection Through Video-Assisted Mini-Thoracotomy

The resection of atrial myxomas has traditionally been performed through a median sternotomy, either partial or complete, which is associated with extensive tissue disruption and larger surgical wounds. We present the case of a 71-year-old woman with a left atrial myxoma that was successfully resected using a minimally invasive approach via video-assisted right parasternal mini-thoracotomy. Direct tumor manipulation was achieved through the mini-thoracotomy, while a separate port was used for endoscopic visualization. The patient was extubated on the day of surgery and required an intensive care unit stay of five days. Continuous preoperative and postoperative telemetry monitoring demonstrated sinus rhythm throughout the entire hospital stay, with no documented arrhythmias. She was subsequently transferred to the general ward and discharged two days later without complications. These findings support that a video-assisted mini-thoracotomy represents a feasible and less invasive alternative to conventional sternotomy for selected patients.