Comparative study: Transseptal approach versus Transatrial approach in mitral valve replacement in redo patients

Background: Previous cardiac operations may complicate mitral valve exposure, as adhesions and loss of mobility in the surrounding tissues may be present. In such cases, the conventional left atrial (LA) incision may not offer satisfactory visualization in the surgical site of the valve. Therefore, several alternative approaches have been proposed for satisfactory visualization of the mitral valve intraoperatively. Aim of the work: to evaluate the outcome of the transseptal and transatrial approaches for mitral valve replacement in patients undergoing redo mitral valve surgery. Patients and Method: This is a prospective study that was conducted at Cardio-thoracic surgery department of Al-Azhar University hospital (Damietta) and other centers during the period from the January 2018 to May 2019. It included 30 patients undergoing redo mitral valve surgery; 15 of them had transseptal approach and 15 with transatrial approach. Results: Age was comparable between studied groups. There was 6 males (40.0%) in group I and 7 males (46.7%) in group II. Smoking was reported in 8 (53.3%) in group I and 7 (46.7%) in group II. Hypertension and pulmonary disease were reported in 6 (40.0%) versus 7 (46.7%) and 2 (13.3%) versus 3 (20.0%) in groups I and II respectively. Diabetes mellitus was reported in 9 (60.0%) in group I versus 4 (26.7%) in group II. Finally, there was no significant difference between both approaches as regard to intraoperative or postoperative data. Conclusion: Transatrial approach has been used in most of previous studies; the transseptal approach appears to be equally effective.