Combined radiofrequency ablation and myxoma resection through a port access approach

Abstract

Myxornas are common cardiac tumors that are traditionally managed by complete excision through a median sternotorny approach with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. We discuss a patient with left atrial myxoma and chronic atrial fibrillation who underwent surgical excision and combined irrigated radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation through a Port Access approach. Minimally invasive operations constitute an expanding field for the treatment of many cardiac diseases and may be an alternative for the treatment of this pathology because of less surgical trauma and cosmetic superiority. In this case both excision of the myxoma and radiofrequency ablation were feasible through this minimally invasive approach. The combination of direct and endoscopic views enabled both procedures to be performed safely and efficiently. (C) 2004 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.