The human heart is an amazing organ that continuously pumps blood throughout the body to supply essential nutrition and oxygen to all the other organs. However, occasional circumstances can emerge that might cause disruptions in its best functioning.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the septum, the muscular wall that divides the left and right ventricles (lower chambers).
Chest pain, exhaustion, dizziness, and shortness of breath are just a few of the symptoms that can result from this thickening, preventing blood flow from the left ventricle to the rest of the body. Severe cases may result in abrupt cardiac arrest or heart failure.
In patients with HCM, a surgical treatment known as a septal myectomy can provide significant relief from symptoms resulting from a highly thickened septum.
What is Septal Myectomy?
Septal myectomy is an open-heart surgery for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients. In this condition, the heart muscle thickens, especially the septum, which can block blood flow.
During surgery, surgeons have access to the heart through a chest incision. A heart-lung bypass machine takes over blood circulation while the heart is stopped. A small portion of the thickened septum is carefully removed while creating more space for blood to flow freely.
Septal myectomy is typically considered for patients with severe HCM symptoms that medications or other treatments can’t manage. It improves blood flow, reduces strain on the heart, and alleviates symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.
Recovery takes several weeks, with medication and lifestyle changes crucial for long-term success. While a complex procedure, septal myectomy can significantly improve the quality of life for HCM patients. Remember, consult a cardiologist for personalized advice.
Important Septal Myectomy Facts
Have a closer look at the critical factors behind septal myectomy:
General anesthesia is usually used to do the surgery. An incision made in the chest wall allows the surgeon to access the heart. A heart-lung bypass machine is then used to stop the heart, taking over the role of pumping and oxygenating blood throughout the process.
The surgeon carefully removes a tiny section of the enlarged septum, ensuring enough tissue is left to preserve structural integrity. Once the obstruction is cleared, the bypass machine is removed, and the heart is restarted. After that, sutures are used to seal the chest wall.
After surgery, patients usually spend a few days in the intensive care unit (ICU) before moving to a regular hospital room for follow-up care and healing. There is a potential 5-day maximum stay in the hospital. It takes many weeks to recover after discharge, so following your doctor’s advice about dosages and activity levels is essential.
Tips for Performing a Septal Myectomy
Not every HCM patient is a good candidate for a septal myectomy. The following variables are considered while choosing a candidate:
Symptom Severity: Patients who have significant symptoms that are not adequately managed by medication or other therapies are usually advised to have surgery.
Septum Thickness: One factor that influences candidacy is septum thickness. A septal thickness greater than 15 mm is a strong indication of septal myectomy.
General Health: The patient’s general health and surgical tolerance are essential considerations. It is necessary to assess pre-existing medical issues to establish if the surgery is appropriate.
Alternative Therapies: Depending on the specific circumstances of each patient, other therapeutic alternatives such as pharmaceuticals or less invasive techniques like alcohol septal ablation may be taken into consideration.
Advantages of Myectomy in Septum
Patients with severe symptoms of HCM can benefit significantly by septal myectomy:
Increased Blood Flow: The left ventricle’s increased blood flow is the main advantage. This eases symptoms such as exhaustion and shortness of breath while lessening the pressure on the heart.
Decreased Complication Risk: By removing the blockage, a septal myectomy can lessen the chance of developing problems later on, such as heart failure or stroke.
Better Quality of Life: By relieving incapacitating symptoms and enabling a patient to return to their regular activities, a successful surgical procedure can significantly enhance a patient’s quality of life.
Reliability of Living After Septal Myectomy
After a successful septal myectomy, most patients report significant improvements in their general health and quality of life. Nonetheless, the following lifestyle adjustments are sometimes advised:
Medication: To control blood pressure, heart rhythm, and avoid blood clots, doctors may recommend medication.
Frequent Checkups: To monitor your health and guarantee the long-term success of the surgery, schedule routine follow-up sessions with your cardiologist.
Lifestyle Modifications: Exercise, a well-balanced diet, and stress reduction are all essential components of a heart-healthy lifestyle
Considerations Before Choosing Septal Myectomy
Critical surgical operation, septal myectomy is used to treat obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Here are the points that you must consider before opting out for septal myectomy
HCM Severity: If you are suffering from a severe HCM and it is affecting your day-to-day activities, it’s time to take action and understand the role of the septal myectomy and its impact on your general health and heart function.
Effectiveness of Medication: Seek over your previous medications and how they have affected your body. These medicines might include calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers. And also observe how well have your symptoms been treated by them.
Surgical Risks: Recognize the risks associated with the procedure, including bleeding, infection, irregular heartbeats, and stroke.
Alternative Medical Interventions: Examine further possibilities for treatment, such as alcohol septal ablation, and weigh the advantages and disadvantages.
Physician’s Specialization: Select a cardiac surgeon and cardiologist who has treated HCM and performed septal myectomy with a great deal of experience.
Concluding Remarks
Patients with severe HCM who are exhibiting considerable symptoms can benefit greatly from a surgical treatment called a septal myectomy. It provides increased blood flow, a lower chance of problems, and a notable improvement in life quality.
Nevertheless, the choice to have surgery is very personal and should be taken after carefully weighing all the relevant criteria with a board-certified cardiologist.
Speak with your cardiologist if you have any questions or concerns about a septal myectomy. They can attend to your specific demands and offer comprehensive details regarding robotic cardiac surgery in India.
Dr. Udgeath Dhir is one of the best cardiac surgeons in India. You can get your robotic cardiac surgery in India done with us.
