Transseptal approach to the left atrium

: The authors present their first experience with trans-septal access to the left atrium, employed in 22 procedures of mitral valve surgery and in 4 myxoma extirpations. The majority of cases were re-operations or combined procedures, performed most often in connection with tricuspid valve annuloplasty. There were two deaths (7.6%), serious arrhythmias or signs of an intra-atrial shunt were not seen in any of the patients undergoing surgery. Trans-septal access allows thorough orientation in the left atrium, and the authors find it useful especially in re-operations or combined procedures.