fig1

Figure 1. Cardiothoracic surgery workflow. (A) Schematic illustration of exposed chest cavity following dissection through 2nd or 3rd intercostal space. (B) Fibrous pericardium covering the left atrium prior to pericardiectomy. (C) Status after bi-atrial pericardiectomy for both atria, with pericardium removed. (D) Cross-clamping of ascending aorta. Ao: Aorta; LA: left atrium; LAD: left anterior descending coronary artery; RA: right atrium; RCA: right coronary artery.