Published online Feb 6, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i4.1357
Peer-review started: August 11, 2021
First decision: September 2, 2021
Revised: September 22, 2021
Accepted: December 23, 2021
Article in press: December 23, 2021
Published online: February 6, 2022
In mirror-image dextrocardia, the anterior-posterior position of the cardiac chambers and great vessels is maintained, but the left-right orientation of the abdominal organs is reversed. The abnormal anatomy of the heart poses surgical challenges and problems in dealing with surgical risk and monitoring complications. There are few reports on closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) in dextrocardia and no reports on the application of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) following LAA occlusion (LAAO) procedures.
The objective for this case was to ensure perioperative safety and accelerate postoperative recovery from LAAO in a patient with mirror-image dextrocardia. ERAS was guided by the theory and practice of nursing care. Atrial fibrillation was diagnosed in a 77-year-old male patient, in whom LAAO was performed. The 2019 guidelines for perioperative care after cardiac surgery recommend that the clinical nursing procedures for patients with LAAO should be optimized to reduce the incidence of perioperative complications and ensure patient safety. Music therapy can be used throughout perioperative treatment and nursing to improve the anxiety symptoms of patients.
The procedure was uneventful and proceeded without complications. Anxiety symptoms were improved.
Core Tip: Mirror dextrocardia has typical clinical characteristics. Because of the high prevalence and mortality of atrial fibrillation of patients with mirror dextrocardia, left atrial appendage occlusion has an important role in treatment, which continues to be confirmed. Left atrial appendage occlusion is an ideal choice for patients with atrial fibrillation. Moreover, music therapy can be used throughout perioperative treatment and nursing to improve the anxiety symptoms of patients.