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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.
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.
Abstract:
Evidence regarding outcomes of septal myectomy in pediatric patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM) remains limited. This meta-analysis aimed to assess surgical outcomes and long-term survival in this population. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases to identify studies evaluating septal myectomy in pediatric patients with obstructive HCM. Eight clinical trials comprising a total of 490 pediatric patients met the inclusion criteria. Among children undergoing septal myectomy for HOCM, the pooled early and late mortality rates were 3.3% and 8.5%, respectively. Concomitant mitral valve repair was performed in 7.3% of patients. Rates of complete atrioventricular block and permanent pacemaker implantation were 9.9% and 5.1%, respectively. The mean durations of intensive care and hospital stay were 34.6 h and 12.9 days. Postoperative wound infection and reoperation occurred in 3.4% and 6.4% of cases. Echocardiographic assessments demonstrated a marked reduction in LVOT gradient (from 86.9 to 16.2 mmHg) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Mitral regurgitation decreased from 49.8 to 6.4%, and systolic anterior motion from 84.9 to 19.9%. Septal myectomy in pediatric patients with HOCM is a safe and effective procedure, associated with favorable survival and substantial symptomatic and hemodynamic improvement. However, results must be interpreted cautiously due to moderate-quality retrospective data.
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