Myectomy is an open-heart surgical procedure used by the top heart surgery hospitals in Bangalore to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thick heart muscle). It alleviates the condition’s symptoms. The septum is a muscular wall that divides the left and right ventricles; the heart’s two lower chambers.
The walls of the ventricles and septum can thicken abnormally in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The septum can protrude into the left ventricle, obstructing blood flow out to the body. As a result, the heart has to function harder. It also contributes to many of the disease’s symptoms, such as exhaustion and shortness of breath.
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What is myectomy, and when do you need it?
A myectomy is a surgical procedure in which excess muscle from the thickened septum is removed. This makes it easier for blood to exit the ventricle. In some instances, medications are sufficient to alleviate the symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
If medications do not alleviate symptoms, a procedure such as myectomy is often successful. Myectomy is a relatively secure surgical technique that has been performed for several years by surgeons. Even if their symptoms are mild, some women with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may need a septal myectomy before becoming pregnant.
Consult your doctor to determine if you are a suitable candidate for septal myectomy or alcohol septal ablation. With your doctor, go through the risks and benefits of each treatment. Surgery is often preferred in younger people and those with more serious thickening. You may have septal anatomy that lends itself to surgery. You can require additional heart surgery, such as mitral valve repair. Myectomy is preferable in these cases.
What happens during myectomy?
Consult your doctor on the specifics of your treatment. In general, you should expect the following during your septal myectomy:
- Before the surgery, you will be given anesthesia by a doctor. This allows you to sleep peacefully and painlessly during the procedure and you won’t be able to recall the surgery afterward.
- The procedure will take several hours. Family and friends can remain in the waiting room so that the surgeon can keep them up to date.
- Your surgeon will cut an incision down the center of your chest and separate a portion of your breastbone.
- The surgeons will attach you to a heart-lung machine. During your surgery, this machine can supply oxygen to your blood and pump it to your body.
- Your surgeon will remove a section of your thickened septum.
- The heart-lung unit will be removed by the surgical team.
- Your breastbone will be wired back together by the team.
- The team would then stitch or staple the incision back together in your skin.
Discuss with your doctor how you should prepare for your upcoming surgery. Keep the following in mind:
- Before your surgery, avoid eating or drinking something after midnight.
- Try to quit smoking before your surgery. Consult the doctor for suggestions.
- Certain medications can need to be discontinued prior to surgery. If you normally take blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin, follow your doctor’s instructions.
The top heart surgery hospitals in Bangalore will always go over the complications and benefits of the septal myectomy procedure with you. In general, the procedure is very safe. However, there are risks associated with your age, the prevalence of other medical problems, and the number of procedures you undergo during a single operation, just as there are with any surgical procedure.
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