Name of the Procedure:

Repair of Cor Triatriatum or Supravalvular Mitral Ring by Resection of Left Atrial Membrane
Common name: Cor Triatriatum Repair

Summary:

This surgical procedure aims to correct a rare congenital heart defect known as cor triatriatum, where a fibromuscular membrane divides the left atrium into two chambers. The procedure involves resecting this membrane to restore normal blood flow within the heart.

Purpose:

Medical Condition: Cor triatriatum or supravalvular mitral ring
Goals: To remove the obstructive membrane from the left atrium, allowing for proper blood flow, improved heart function, and relief of symptoms.

Indications:

Symptoms/Conditions:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Palpitations
• Pulmonary hypertension

Patient Criteria:

• Diagnosis confirmed via echocardiography or cardiac MRI
• Presence of significant symptoms interfering with daily activities

Preparation:

Pre-procedure Instructions:

• Fasting for at least 8 hours before surgery
• Medication adjustments as directed by the cardiologist

Diagnostic Tests:

• Echocardiogram
• MRI or CT scan of the heart
• Blood tests

Procedure Description:

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered.
2. Access: A median sternotomy or minimally invasive approach is made to access the heart.
3. Cardiopulmonary Bypass: The patient is placed on a heart-lung machine.
4. Exposure: The left atrium is carefully opened to expose the membrane.
5. Resection: The abnormal membrane is precisely excised using surgical instruments.
6. Closure: The heart and chest are closed, and the patient is gradually weaned off the heart-lung machine.

Tools and Equipment:

• Scalpel
• Surgical scissors
• Cardiopulmonary bypass machine

Duration:

The procedure typically takes about 3-4 hours, including preparation and recovery time.

Setting:

Performed in a hospital operating room equipped for cardiac surgery.

Personnel:

• Cardiothoracic surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses
• Perfusionist (operates heart-lung machine)
• Scrub techs

Risks and Complications:

Common Risks:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Arrhythmias

Rare Complications:

• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Need for reoperation

Management: Close post-operative monitoring and appropriate medical interventions.

Benefits:

Expected Benefits:

• Relief of symptoms
• Improved heart function
• Enhanced quality of life

Timeline for Benefits: Within weeks to months post-surgery.

Recovery:

Post-procedure Care:

• ICU stay for monitoring
• Gradual increase in physical activity

Expected Recovery Time:

• 4-6 weeks for complete recovery
• Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise

Follow-up: Regular cardiac check-ups and imaging to monitor heart function.

Alternatives:

Other Options:

• Medical management (less effective for severe cases)
• Catheter-based interventions (limited applicability)

Pros and Cons:

• Surgery offers more definitive correction but comes with higher risks.
• Medical management is less invasive but might not fully alleviate symptoms.

Patient Experience:

During Procedure:

• Patient is under general anesthesia and will not feel pain.

After Procedure:

• Initial discomfort and pain managed with medications
• Likely ICU stay for close monitoring
• Gradual improvement in symptoms and physical condition