Percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation: a new catheter-based therapy for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is a complex disorder with serious clinical implications. Percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation is a promising new addition to existing therapies for this condition. It is a catheter-based approach that involves instilling alcohol into the septal branches of the left anterior descending artery to induce a 'controlled' septal myocardial infarct. The result is a decrease in thickness of the hypertrophied interventricular septum and a reduction of the left ventricular outflow tract gradient. To date, the results from several series have been promising, with improvements in haemodynamic and clinical parameters without prohibitive complication rates. In this article, the indications, technique and outcomes of this procedure are reviewed.