Biatrial transeptal atriotomy approach to the mitral valve: V-atriotomy technique

Methods 61 patients undergoing valve surgery were managed with V-atriotomy incision because of inadequate exposure of the mitral valve and subvalvular apparatus. 37 patients were male (60.7%) and 24 patients were female (39,3%) with a mean age of 64.7±10,2. Standart left atriotomy incision was made primarily and in cases of bad exposure, caval snares were tightened for total perfusion. Right atriotomy incision was done as well followed by interatrial septum incision. Interatrial septostomy incision and left atriotomy incision were connected at 2 cm medial to inferior vena cava cannula. Suspensory sutures were placed to the free edges of right atriotomy and interatrial septostomy. This excellent visualisation of the mitral valve leaded us to perform valve repair or replacement procedures.