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Published on: December 11, 2017
The transseptal approach for mitral valve replacement revisited
F Santibáñez Escobar1, G Serrano Gallardo, S Ramirez Marroquin
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chavez, Mexico City, Mexico.
Texas Heart Institute Journal
|January 1, 1997
Summary
The transseptal approach offers a safe and effective alternative for mitral valve replacement, particularly in complex reoperations. This technique simplifies procedures and ensures full visualization of the mitral apparatus without complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Cardiac Valve Repair and Replacement
Background:
- The transseptal approach is an alternative to the traditional left atrial approach for mitral valve procedures.
- Previous mitral valve surgeries often result in adhesions, complicating standard surgical access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the transseptal approach for mitral valve replacement.
- To assess its utility in complex cases, including reoperations and combined procedures.
Main Methods:
- The transseptal approach was utilized in 39 mitral valve procedures.
- Three variations of the transseptal technique were employed based on patient anatomy and surgeon preference.
- The approach was particularly applied in patients undergoing 3rd and 4th reoperations.
Main Results:
- No complications were associated with the transseptal approaches used.
- The technique facilitated easier mitral valve procedures by providing full exposure of the mitral valvular and subvalvular apparatus.
- No conduction abnormalities or procedure-related deaths occurred in this series.
Conclusions:
- The transseptal approach is a safe and reproducible technique for mitral valve replacement.
- It is beneficial for patients with friable tissues, heavily calcified valves, small left atria, or those requiring combined mitral and tricuspid procedures.
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