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Published on: May 19, 2020
Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: current perspectives on mitral leaflet shortening
Katherine G Phillips1, Joshua A Scheinerman1, Daniele Massera2
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016 USA.
Insights
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) surgery now includes mitral leaflet shortening alongside septal myectomy. This comprehensive approach improves outcomes for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO).
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Genetics
Background:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common monogenic heart disease, often underdiagnosed.
- Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in HCM is complex, involving more than just septal hypertrophy.
- The mitral valve's role in LVOTO is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on surgical management of obstructive HCM.
- To highlight the role of mitral leaflet shortening in treating LVOTO.
- To discuss comprehensive surgical strategies for HCM.
Main Methods:
- Review of current clinical evidence and surgical experiences.
- Analysis of historical and contemporary approaches to LVOTO in HCM.
- Focus on mitral valve interventions combined with septal myectomy.
Main Results:
- Mitral leaflet shortening (plication or ReLex) combined with septal myectomy improves outcomes.
- These strategies reduce mitral regurgitation and alleviate LVOTO.
- Combined approaches show excellent mid-term survival rates.
Conclusions:
- Mitral leaflet shortening is a key component of modern obstructive HCM surgery.
- Comprehensive surgical strategies integrating mitral valve and septal interventions are effective.
- Improved understanding of mitral valve dynamics enhances HCM treatment outcomes.
Abstract:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common monogenic cardiac disease, affecting approximately 0.2% of the general population. Despite its prevalence, it remains significantly underdiagnosed clinically. Surgical management of obstructive HCM has advanced extensively, particularly in understanding the mitral valve's contribution to left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). Historically, LVOTO was attributed mainly to septal hypertrophy and treated through isolated septal myectomy. However, contemporary insights highlight the importance of mitral leaflet elongation and abnormal papillary muscle dynamics in this pathology. Mitral leaflet shortening, either through horizontal plication or direct excision (ReLex), alongside the release of abnormal papillary muscle attachments, has emerged as a complementary strategy to standard septal myectomy. These combined approaches have demonstrated improved surgical outcomes, including reduced mitral regurgitation, alleviation of LVOTO, and excellent mid-term survival. This review synthesizes current evidence and clinical experiences, providing insights into mitral leaflet shortening's role and the comprehensive surgical strategies for managing obstructive HCM.
Supplementary Information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12055-025-02051-1.
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