Thoracic Key

Normal Left Atrial Function The major contribution of the left atrium (LA) to forward cardiac output is its function as a passive capacitance chamber, not as a contracting pumping chamber…

Atrial fibrillation (AF) can cause multiple adverse sequelae, including palpitations, decreased cardiac output, systemic thromboembolism, and tachycardia-induced ventricular cardiomyopathy. Typically, the first symptoms of de novo AF are palpitations and…

Most cardiac surgeons do not learn the anatomy that is pertinent to arrhythmia surgery even though cardiac surgical training programs are traditionally steeped in the teaching of anatomy. Indeed, the…