Reduction of left atrium cavity. Approaches, opportunities and prospects
In presence of valvular heart disease there is a significant increase of atrial size. Many studies revealed a direct relationship between left atrium (LA) size and the development of atrial fibrillation, thromboembolism, respiratory disorders and heart failure. This article describes some surgical procedures, allowing besides the correction of valvular disease to reduce the size of LA cavity and in some cases to restore sinus rhythm. This permits to restore normal intracardiac hemodynamics, to eliminate respiratory system compression and reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications.