Extensive left atrial endoatriectomy for infective endocarditis.

The technique of extensive endoatriectomy of the left atrium and reconstruction with autologous pericardium for infective endocarditis is described. Endocardium of the left atrium with vegetations was completely excised from the valvular annulus to normal endocardium, and autologous pericardium was used to reinforce the endocardial defect and to allow less tension in the closure. This technique permits complete removal of infectious lesions and facilitates mitral valve replacement reinforcing the mitral annulus.