Septal Myectomy in Pediatric Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Anelise Poluboiarinov Cappellaro1, Luiz Felipe Costa de Almeida2, Ronaldo Altenburg Odebrecht Curi Gismondi3

  • 1Centro Universitário Maurício de Nassau de Barreiras, Barreiras, Brazil.

Pediatric Cardiology
|November 17, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Septal myectomy is a safe and effective surgery for children with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM), significantly improving symptoms and heart function. Long-term survival is favorable, though data quality requires cautious interpretation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Medical Outcomes Research

Background:

  • Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM) in children presents unique challenges.
  • Limited evidence exists on the outcomes of surgical intervention for pediatric HOCM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the surgical outcomes and long-term survival rates of pediatric patients undergoing septal myectomy for HOCM.
  • To evaluate the hemodynamic and symptomatic improvements following the procedure.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis of published clinical trials.
  • Inclusion criteria focused on pediatric patients with obstructive HOCM undergoing septal myectomy.
  • Data synthesis from eight trials involving 490 patients.

Main Results:

  • Pooled early and late mortality rates were 3.3% and 8.5%, respectively.
  • Significant reduction in left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient (86.9 to 16.2 mmHg) and mitral regurgitation (49.8% to 6.4%).
  • Low rates of complications such as complete atrioventricular block (9.9%) and permanent pacemaker implantation (5.1%).

Conclusions:

  • Septal myectomy is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric obstructive HOCM.
  • The procedure leads to favorable survival and substantial hemodynamic and symptomatic improvement.
  • Findings are based on moderate-quality retrospective data, necessitating cautious interpretation.

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
323
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
380
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
268
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
229
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
206
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
438