Biatrial transseptal approach in case of difficult exposure to the mitral valve

The biatrial transseptal approach according to the Dubost technique provides an excellent exposure to the mitral valve. Over a 5-year period (1984 to 1989) we used this approach in 210 patients. We believe that this incision is indicated in the following situations: reoperation on the mitral valve and acute mitral insufficiency with little enlargement of the left atrium.