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Septal myectomy is a surgical procedure performed to relieve obstruction by reducing the thickening of the heart muscle, mainly the ventricular septum, in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

During this procedure, an incision is made in the chest to access the heart. The heart is stopped and a heart-lung bypass machine takes over the work of the heart and lungs. An incision is made in the lower aorta in order to visualize the ventricular septum through the aortic valve.

Then, through direct visualization by the surgeon, a portion of the septal wall is resected with special instruments. This widens the outflow area which prevents the mitral valve from making contact with the septum.

By successfully eliminating the obstruction to blood flow the pressures of the heart are returned to normal and limiting symptoms from HCM are dramatically improved or eliminated.

Relief of obstruction is seen immediately; however, it can take several weeks to months to recover and feel the full benefit of the surgery.

For more information about the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Center at Tufts Medical Center, please visit: https://www.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/pa...