Management of Multiple Embolization Arising From Atrial Myxoma

This study reports detailed surgery procedures on a patient with cardiac myxoma and multiple embolization in the aortic artery, lower extremities, and the superior mesenteric and renal arteries, which is quite uncommon. As the first step in the surgery, conventional thrombectomy was used to remove emboli in abdominal aorta and bilateral lower extremities based on single-lumen Fogarty catheters accessed through bilateral femoral arteries. As the second step, double-lumen Fogarty catheters and percutaneous aspiration thromboembolectomy accessed by bilateral femoral arteries again were used in combination to restore blood flow in the visceral artery and renal arteries without the need of laparotomy. Compared with traditional methods relying on laparotomy, the method by combining Fogarty catheters with percutaneous aspiration thromboembolectomy is less invasive and time consuming, and is a promising method in dealing with multiple embolization arising from cardiac myxoma. (Ann Thorac Surg 2012;94:646-8) (c) 2012 by The Society of Thoracic SurgeonsCardiac & Cardiovascular SystemsRespiratory SystemSurgerySCI(E)PubMed4EDITORIAL MATERIAL2646-6499