Sinus node artery-preserving superior transseptal approach: a simple technique.

With the use of the superior transseptal approach during mitral valve surgery, good exposure of the mitral valve can be achieved with simple traction sutures, which minimize the risk of deformation of the mitral valve. For this reason, we routinely perform mitral valvoplasty using the superior transseptal approach; however, we, occasionally encounter cases that develop postoperative atrial dysrhythmia. We have therefore, devised a very simple technique for preservation of the sinus node artery in the superior transseptal approach, which is effective for reducing the incidence of postoperative sinus node dysfunction. In this technique, during incision of the dome of the left atrium, the sinus node artery is carefully dissected and preserved.