Dramatic improvement of LV function after coronary sinus thromboembolectomy

We present the case of a 79-year-old man suffering from chronic atrial fibr illation, severe left ventricular dysfunction, massive right atrial thrombo sis, and pulmonary hypertension. Complete coronary sinus thrombosis was fou nd incidentally during preoperative screening. Successful coronary sinus, r ight atrial, and pulmonary operative embolectomy was followed soon after by a dramatic improvement of cardiac performance; the patient's left ventricu lar function recovery, in particular, suggests that cardiac venous system p layed an important role in the genesis of myocardial impairment. (Ann Thora c Surg 2000;70:961-3) (C) 2000 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.