Abstract
Closure of the fibrillating left atrial appendage has been recommended during mitral valve repair or replacement to prevent systemic emboli postoperatively. Closure of the left atrial appendage has been accomplished in the past by direct intra-atrial suture or by external ligation. The authors have used the TA-55 automatic stapler in 40 patients to close the left atrial appendage during mitral valve surgery. In all patients the closure was effected successfully at the first attempt without complication.