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  Introduction: The recent boost of the minimally invasive techniques for mitral valve surgery has led to the development of a dedicated surgical outfit, including retractors, arterial and venous cannulas, and surgical instruments. An effective left atrial retractor is crucial, since an optimal exposure is a prerequisite for a successful mitral valve repair. Most of the available retractors require a supporting arm that is inserted in the chest via a parasternal hole. This maneuver may be associated with significant bleeding from the internal thoracic artery and vein or from their collaterals, especially in patients undergoing redo operations in whom the identification of these vessels may be difficult. The MitraXs is a self‐expanding, pliable, left atrial retractor that may be inserted in the atrium from the minithoracotomy, and does not require any supporting arm. We describe its use in a patient with a previous history of …