Optimizing mitral valve exposure with conventional left atriotomy.

The standard surgical approach to the mitral valve is accomplished through a longitudinal incision in the left atrium, posterior and parallel to the interatrial groove. Many other surgical approaches have evolved. This report describes a technique of optimizing mitral valve exposure via the standard approach. These modifications are simple, do not lengthen the procedure, and usually obviate the need for more complex maneuvers.