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Published on: September 9, 2020
Surgical treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a historical perspective
Dustin Hang1, Anita Nguyen1, Hartzell V Schaff1
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Insights
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) surgical treatments have evolved significantly. Transaortic septal myectomy is the gold standard for relieving left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in symptomatic patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Cardiology
- Medical History
Background:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) understanding has grown substantially over 50 years.
- Surgical interventions aim to relieve left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction and improve symptoms in HCM patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To trace the historical development of transaortic septal myectomy for HCM.
- To introduce novel myectomy techniques expanding surgical options for HCM.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of surgical techniques for HCM.
- Description of transaortic septal myectomy evolution.
- Introduction of contemporary myectomy approaches.
Main Results:
- Transaortic septal myectomy is the established gold standard for symptomatic HCM with LVOT obstruction.
- Newer myectomy methods broaden surgical applicability in diverse HCM forms.
Conclusions:
- Surgical management of HCM, particularly septal myectomy, has advanced considerably.
- Evolving surgical techniques offer improved outcomes for a wider range of HCM patients.
Abstract:
Our understanding of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) as a disease entity has increased dramatically over the last half century. There has been a concerted effort by several surgical groups to develop operative techniques to relieve left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction and alleviate symptoms. This paper traces the development of transaortic septal myectomy, the current gold standard therapy for relief of LVOT obstruction, in symptomatic patients refractory to medical treatment. In addition, we introduce newer methods for myectomy that have expanded the role of surgery in patients with various forms of HCM.
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