Septal Myectomy Surgery

Overview and Facts about Septal Myectomy Surgery

Septal myectomy surgery is a procedure used in the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This disease causes the abnormal thickening of the walls of the heart and can lead to impaired blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta which can lead to chest pain, arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm) and sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Septal myectomy is an open heart procedure in which part of the thickened wall (septum) between the left and right chambers of the heart is removed. The goal of this kind of cardiac surgery is to alleviate the symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and to prevent SCD.

What to Expect during Septal Myectomy Surgery

You will be administered general anesthesia prior to the start of surgery, keeping you comfortably sedated throughout the entirety of the procedure, which takes between three and six hours.

Because it is necessary for your heart to be at rest during the surgery, you will be placed on a heart-lung pump that will continue the circulation of blood throughout your body.

Septal myectomy is performed through an incision in your chest. Your surgeon will remove a portion of the thickened septum or the wall between the left and right chambers of the heart. This increases the capacity of the left ventricle, allowing for increased blood flow between the ventricle and the aorta. The procedure is performed through the aorta, eliminating the need to cut the outside muscle of the heart.

You will remain hospitalized between five and seven days after septal myectomy, including a day or more in the intensive care unit directly following the surgery. During this time, your vitals and recovery will be closely monitored, and you will begin cardiac rehabilitation.

Prior to discharge, you will receive guidelines on continuing your rehabilitation at home, in addition to instructions on incision care and activity restrictions.

What are the Side Effects of Septal Myectomy Surgery?

Certain side effects are common and predictable following any cardiac surgery or procedure, including septal myectomy surgery. Temporary after effects of the procedure include:

• Appetite loss
• Constipation
• Discomfort or pain at the incision site
• Pain in your chest, shoulders or back
• Trouble sleeping

What are the Risks of Septal Myectomy Surgery?

Complications following septal myectomy are not common but they do occur. The likelihood of developing complications depends on your overall health and heart condition. Possible risks include:

• Heart attack
• Infection
• Irregular heartbeat
• Stroke