Access for correction of AV canal is obtained through which structure?

Access for the correction of an atrioventricular (AV) canal defect is typically obtained through the right atrium (RA). The RA serves as a crucial point of entry to facilitate repairs needed for complex heart anomalies like an AV canal, which involves both the atrial and ventricular septa as well as the valves.

During surgical correction, the approach through the right atrium allows the surgeon direct access to the atrioventricular valves and the ventricular septum while also permitting visualization of the surrounding heart structures. This is essential for accurately identifying and closing the defects, repositioning the valves, and ensuring proper alignment.

The access through the apex, left atrium, or pulmonary artery, while potentially viable routes for different procedures in cardiac surgery, are not the standard approaches for AV canal correction. Hence, the right atrium is the structure through which surgical access is typically obtained for this specific type of repair.