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Efficacy and safety of the superior-septal approach to the mitral valve

1993; Elsevier BV; Volume: 55; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0003-4975(93)91069-y

1552-6259

Craig R. Smith,

Cardiac Imaging and Diagnostics

n this issue, Kon and associates [l] report an impressive I experience in 71 patients using an "extended transseptal approach' to the mitral valve with excellent results.In essence, the incision used combines the superior approach with a septal approach by dividing the superior end of the interatrial septum, and this report follows four recent descriptions of this technique [2-51.After more than a half century of mitral valve surgery using other approaches, this technical innovation suddenly arose independently from the hands of at least two surgeons, offering another example of the often curious simultaneity of invention.This report is primarily notable for the strength of the endorsement provided by Kon and associates' choice of this approach "routinely" in their center "for all mitral valve procedures."Indeed, anyone familiar with this increasingly popular technique is likely to agree that the exposure obtained surpasses that achievable with any other approach short of bench surgery.Although I will readily agree that this approach is an important option in any patient with a small or inaccessible left atrium, I