Alcohol Septal Ablation

What is it?

Alcohol septal ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic disorder in which the heart muscle grows abnormally thick, obstructs blood being ejected from the left ventricle, and interferes with the heart’s rhythm. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy, including shortness of breath, heart palpitations and chest pain may be relieved in most patients using this method.

The procedure is done by injecting a small amount of alcohol into an artery via a catheter. The alcohol creates a small, controlled heart attack and destroys the damaged portion of the heart muscle that is causing the obstruction. This allows the heart to pump blood more efficiently and improves mitral valve function. The procedure is performed under mild sedation and patients are usually observed in the hospital after the procedure.

Loyola is one of the few hospitals in the Chicago area to perform this procedure. Our team of specialists can evaluate patients to determine if this is the best treatment option and discuss the risks associated with the procedure.

The Loyola difference

Loyola is a nationally recognized leader in cardiac care. U.S. News & World Report ranked us 18th in the nation for cardiology and heart surgery in 2012, making this our 10th year in the top 50.

Learn more about our performance outcomes.