Double Valve Replacement In A Patient With Situs Inversus And Dextrocardia

Dextrocardia is a rarely seen cardiac malposition, often associated with multiple and complex congenital cardiac anomalies. Valve surgery for acquired valvular lesions in dextrocardia with situs inversus is also rare. Surgeons require a prospective strategy for handling problems such as poor exposure of the cannulation site and diseased valve. The case is described of a patient with dextrocardia with situs inversus, illustrating the anatomic issues and operative considerations particular to aortic and mitral valve surgery in patients with this condition. Approaching the aortic and mitral valve through a left sided left atrial incision seems to provide excellent exposure for valve surgery.