Procedures for the treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy include septal myectomy, ethanol ablation, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and heart failure management, as needed. The following videos depict septal myectomy and ethanol ablation.
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Ethanol Ablation
Video 1 - click on the small arrow on the bottom left of the player to start & stop tape
In this video you will look into the left side of the heart. Normally blood flows through the mitral valve in a forward direction, from left atrium to left ventricle. Notice how with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, some blood leaks backwards (white) through the mitral valve into the left atrium with each heart beat.
Next, you will notice the ablation catheter is inserted into a small artery in the septum. A tiny amount of pure alcohol is injected which causes a "controlled heart attack" in the area of septal enlargement.
Last, you will see the septum shrinks back to normal size, the mitral valve stops leaking and blood flow in the heart is returned to normal.
Septal Myectomy
Video 2 - click on the small arrow on the bottom left of the player to start & stop tape
In this video you will notice, again the enlarged septum causes the mitral valve leaflets to leak. Blood (white) flows back into the left atrium.
Next, you will see the surgeon cuts away the thickened septum. This allows the outflow tract to return to normal.
Normal blood flow through the mitral valve occurs.
Learn more about Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
If you need more information, contact us , chat online with a nurse or call the Miller Family Heart and Vascular Institute Resource & Information Nurse at 216.445.9288 or toll-free at 866.289.6911. We would be happy to help you.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
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