Large Left Myxoma Resected by Minimally Invasive Techniques. Narration by the operating surgeon.

"Myxoma is a benign tumor consisting of primitive connective tissue. It is the most frequent primary tumor of the heart in adults, however it can also occur in other locations. Considering the heart, myxomas are typically located in atria, 86% occur in the left atrium. Usually, they are pedunculated with a stalk that is attached to the fossa ovalis in the interatrial septum, and they can cause symptoms such as tachycardia, dyspnea, weight loss, hemoptysis and sudden death. The mainstay of diagnostics is echocardiography and MRI.

Advanced Minimally Invasive Techniques are described to resect a large left atrial myxoma through a 2"" right minithoracotomy. The incision is completely hidden in the skin fold underneath the right breast and affords the surgeon an excellent surgical exposure for a safe and accurate operation. Most patients can be discharged two days after surgery. Most out of state patients are allowed to travel back home a week after surgery.

Video by Giovanni B. Ciuffo, MD."