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Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
Published on: February 11, 2022
The surgical management of left atrial thrombosis
Insights
Left atrial thrombosis diagnosis was challenging, with cerebrovascular embolism being a major risk. Surgical technique modification, including mitral orifice occlusion, has successfully prevented this complication.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Left atrial thrombosis poses significant risks, primarily cerebrovascular embolism.
- Accurate diagnosis of left atrial thrombosis can be challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review outcomes of patients with left atrial thrombosis.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a modified surgical technique in preventing complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 122 consecutive patients with left atrial thrombosis.
- Analysis of diagnostic methods including angiography and coronary fistula detection.
- Assessment of surgical technique changes, specifically mitral orifice occlusion.
Main Results:
- Positive diagnosis of left atrial thrombosis was confirmed in only 36% of cases.
- Cerebrovascular embolism was the leading cause of mortality and morbidity.
- The modified surgical technique, with mitral orifice occlusion, has eliminated this complication in the observed cases.
Conclusions:
- Left atrial thrombosis diagnosis requires careful consideration of multiple factors.
- Surgical intervention with mitral orifice occlusion is an effective strategy to prevent cerebrovascular embolism in patients with left atrial thrombosis.
Abstract:
A series of 122 consecutive patients with left atrial thrombosis is reviewed. Positive diagnosis was achieved in only 40 cases (36%) based on the angiographic findings and the presence of coronary fistula. The main cause of mortality and morbidity was cerebrovascular embolism. A change in our surgical technique, including the occlusion of the mitral orifice, has so far eliminated this problem.
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