Surgical resection of atrial myxomas.

Myxomas are the most common form of benign cardiac tumors; these tumors occur primarily in the atria. Most myxomas are idiopathic in origin, but in rare cases, patients have a family history of myxomas. Although these tumors are benign, myxomas have the potential to cause serious complications, including embolic events and partial or complete obstruction of intracardiac blood flow. Currently, there is no effective medical treatment, and surgical excision of the tumor is necessary. Typically, surgical resection of an atrial myxoma is performed via a median sternotomy with the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass. Recurrence of a myxoma after surgical excision is extremely rare, and most patients have an excellent prognosis after surgery.