Minimal access approach for surgical management of cardiac tumors.

BACKGROUND

Following our experience with minimally invasive valve replacement operation, we utilized this technique for surgical management of cardiac tumors.

METHODS

Between April 1997 and September 1999, 5 consecutive patients with cardiac tumors underwent minimally invasive excision of the tumors. The patients were 4 women and 1 man with an age range of 32 to 50 years. The tumor was located in the left atrium in 4 patients and the right atrium in 1 patient. The common presenting symptoms were dyspnea on exertion (100%), chest pain (60%), palpitation (60%), and transient ischemic attack (20%). Diagnosis was established preoperatively by echocardiography only.

RESULTS

In 2 patients the approach was right parasternal and the subsequent 3 patients had direct-access partial sternotomy. The myxoma was resected transseptally in all patients. There was no hospital mortality. One patient had postoperative embolic episode leading to left hemiparesis. Follow-up did not reveal any complication related to this technique and all were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimal access partial sternotomy is an effective approach that adheres to all the identified surgical principles in successful removal of these tumors. The smaller incision does not compromise the efficacy or safety of the operation, reduces hospital stay, and has a good cosmetic result.