Transaortic division of the mitral subvalvar apparatus

Adequate exposure of the mitral valve can be difficult to obtain through a median sternotomy. A variety of techniques have been described to facilitate exposure in this situation. This report describes the use of trans-aortic technique which allows easy and accurate division of the mitral subvalvar apparatus. The mitral valve can then be approached through a left atriotomy, everted and the excision completed.