Surgical Video of a Minimally Invasive |
Echocardiogram of Tricuspid Valve Tumor |
Heart Tumors
Heart tumors are seen occasionally.
Myxoma
The most common is a tumor called a myxoma. This is usually seen in the left atrium. The wall between the right and left atria is called the septum, just like the dividing septum in your nose.
Most left atrial myxomas are attached to the left atrial side of the septum. These are often very soft and spongy, and pieces can break off and travel to the brain (causing a stroke) or to other vital organs or limbs.
Surgery involves opening the heart, cutting out the septum and tumor, and then replacing the septum with a patch.
Fibroelastoma
This is usually a small mass on one of the aortic valve leaflets. These too, can break off and travel downstream.
Surgery involves opening the aorta and carefully taking the tumor off of the valve leaflet. Occasionally the aortic valve must be replaced.