The trans-septal approach to the mitral valve.

To assess the efficacy of the trans-septal approach to the mitral valve, 40 patients who underwent mitral valve surgery via this approach were compared to 37 patients who underwent surgery via the standard left atriotomy. Concomitant procedures included tricuspid annuloplasty, aortic valve replacement, closure of atrial septal defect, coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve repair. There was one (1.2%) operative mortality. No patients required pacemaker implantation. Follow-up of up to 18 months showed that all patients were in NYHA classes I and II. One third of the patients who had trans-septal approach to the mitral valve achieved conversion from atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm while none of the patients who underwent conventional left atriotomy had conversion (p < 0.02). The trans-septal approach to the mitral valve is a useful approach in selective patients requiring mitral valve surgery.