myectomy
Surgical removal of a portion of heart muscle, typically performed to relieve obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Full Definition
Myectomy is a surgical procedure involving the excision of hypertrophied heart muscle, most commonly performed to treat left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). The most frequent type is septal myectomy, where a portion of the interventricular septum is removed to widen the outflow tract and reduce the pressure gradient. This procedure, also known as the Morrow procedure, effectively relieves symptoms and improves quality of life in patients with severe obstruction. The surgery requires precise technique to avoid complications such as ventricular septal defect or conduction abnormalities.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the type (septal, posterior) and include gradient measurements when editing clinical reports.
In Context
- "Septal myectomy successfully reduced the LVOT gradient from 80 to 15 mmHg." — operative summary
- "The patient underwent myectomy for symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy." — discharge summary