Atrial myxoma is the most common benign tumor of the heart. Don’t be fooled by its description as “benign”. The presence of a bulky and friable Atrial Myxoma within the heart is very dangerous because it can cause severe complications such as sudden death and congestive heart failure. When a piece of tumor breaks off and travels to the brain or leg, devastating strokes or gangrene can occur. Sometimes the only signs are a vague malaise, headaches, and flu-like symptoms. The diagnosis is often confirmed by an ultrasound study of the heart (echocardiogram). In the past, most people dreaded the prospect of heart surgery because it involved a large 10″ incision through the breastbone followed by a slow and painful recovery. This is no longer the case at most Heart Centers. Advanced Cardiac Surgery where the atrial myxoma is minimally invasive surgery is available to cure this pathology.

A minimally invasive approach is performed through a 2″ incision hidden out of sight in the skin fold under the right breast. This incision is between two ribs and does not involve any bone cutting. The atrial myxoma with the use of specially designed long, thin instruments that can be manipulated through the small surgical incision.

Once the atrial myxoma is removed, a generous amount of local anesthetic is injected between the ribs to ensure that our patients can wake up absolutely pain-free. The wound is then closed using plastic surgery techniques to prevent unsightly stitch marks on the skin, and patients are then sent to our recovery unit. Recovery is very quick and most patients are allowed to get out of bed the same day and are often ready to return to their homes and families within two days. The day after surgery they are encouraged to practice deep breathing exercises and do a lot of walking. A home nursing service and physiotherapy are offered to all atrial myxoma patients to continue their speedy recovery after surgery in the comfort of their homes.

These operations can be carried out with strict bloodless techniques and most patients do not require any blood transfusion. Surgical wounds heal very well and quickly. Surgical infections with this minimally invasive cardiac surgery technique are almost unheard of. In summary, this approach has dramatically changed the experience of open heart surgery and has provided excellent results in the majority of patients affected by atrial myxoma.

If you or a loved one is faced with a diagnosis of atrial myxoma, it is imperative to treat this condition as soon as possible to avoid devastating complications. Do not hesitate to request a minimally invasive heart operation performed through a “mini-thoracotomy”. If your local doctors don’t offer this service, consider consulting a reputable bloodless, minimally invasive heart surgery center. In experienced hands, this operation is performed in the vast majority of patients with excellent results. It might well be worth a trip out of town or out of state to do it. Most patients can drive or fly home within a week of surgery.