Video-assisted cardioscopy for left ventricular thrombectomy in a child

Left ventricular thrombus is a complication of myocardial infarction, ventricular aneurysm, cardiomyopathy, and myocarditis. Left ventriculotomy has been the standard approach for removal of left ventricular thrombus. This approach has produced an unacceptable incidence of ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias, and aneurysm formation. We describe a case of left ventricular thrombus with systemic embolization in a patient with myocarditis. Video-assisted cardioscopy allowed visualization and removal of the thrombus via an aortotomy, thereby avoiding a left ventriculotomy.