The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 31, 283-284, Copyright © 1981 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
A safe technique for removal of massive left atrial thrombus
JI Gallo, B Ruiz and CM Duran
Open mitral operation in patients with massive left atrial thrombus still
carries a high mortality due to intraoperative embolism. To prevent this
danger, we have standardized a surgical technique that includes careful
handling of the heart and use of suction, blockage of the mitral orifice,
and excision of subendocardial thrombus. Our total experience with massive
left atrial thrombosis comprises 30 patients. Seven out of 8 patients
operated on before our present technique was used died in the hospital of
irreversible cerebral damage. The other 22 patients underwent operation
with this technique, and the thrombus was removed without mortality or
morbidity.