Septal ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle (myocardium). Usually only one part of the heart is affected that results in impaired functioning of the heart.
Usually HCM is asymptomatic but in some people thickening of the heart muscle may produce symptoms such as high blood pressure, life-threatening arrhythmias, fainting, and shortness of breath with activity or rest. HCM is considered as the primary cause of sudden death in preadolescent and adolescent children.
Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the proportion of tissue blocking the blood flow, due to thickening of the heart muscles. ASA involves injection of pure alcohol into the target septal branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery.
ASA is considered as a therapeutic alternative to surgical myectomy for the treatment of LVOT (left ventricular outflow tract) obstruction. ASA is often the best choice for elderly patients and those having advanced medical conditions who cannot tolerate open surgery.
Alcohol Septal Ablation is performed at LHCH by: