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Septal myectomy
SURGERY FOR HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY (HCM)
A procedure to remove part of the thickened heart muscle wall caused by HCM
What is hypertropic cardiomyopathy?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited condition where the heart muscle (myocardium) becomes abnormally thick, so it's harder for your heart to pump blood.
In some patients, the thickening causes a significant obstruction to the blood leaving the heart. Whilst this can normally be controlled with tablets, surgery is sometimes considered in very symptomatic patients.
Need to know
A septal myectomy is usually carried out as an open heart procedure under general anaesthetic. Your consultant will make an incision in your chest and open your sternum to access your heart.
A small amount of the thickened septal wall, which separates the right and left ventricles of the heart, will be removed. If necessary, your consultant might repair the mitral valve at the same time.
This eliminates the obstruction and the mitral valve regurgitation, when blood leaks the wrong way into the heart, that occurs with this condition.
As with any procedure of this nature, there are potential risks and side effects involved with a septal myectomy, which your consultant will explain beforehand. They'll also advise you on how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand, because you'll be having a general anaesthetic.
As a septal myectomy is a major operation, you'll need to spend one or two days in intensive care before returning to the main hospital.
Usually the total length of the stay in hospital is six or seven days. Your consultant will talk you through what you need to do in the short term, as well as the longer term.
This includes advice on when you can return to your usual routine, including work and exercise.
Our Septal myectomy locations
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.