Septal myectomy is an open heart surgery during which a portion of thickened heart muscle that’s blocking blood from flowing out of the heart is removed.
“It’s the gold standard for many patients,” says Dr. Makkiya.
Why Septal Myectomy Works
“Patients usually feel significantly better almost immediately,” says Sandeep Jani, MD, MPH, the associate director of advanced heart failure and population health at MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute in Baltimore.
Who Is Septal Myectomy For?
Septal myectomy can be an option if medications alone aren’t doing enough to manage your obstructive HCM. In general, it’s more likely to be recommended for younger patients who are at low risk of complications from open-heart surgery, says Dr. Jani.
The decision to undergo septal myectomy is highly individualized. Talk with the members of your cardiology care team, including your cardiologist, imaging specialist, and surgeon, to weigh the benefits and risks and make the best choice for you.