So Many Ways…

Enlargement of left ventricular outflow tract using an autologous pericardial patch for the anterior mitral valve leaflet and septal myectomy through trans-mitral approach for the hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy Zhang et al (1) describe their experience in septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Of 247 consecutive cases with HOCM treated during 2016-2019 with a variety of techniques, this report is on 16 patients who underwent trans-mitral septal myectomy and enlargement of left ventricular outflow with an autologous pericardial patch in transverse configuration. The technique reportedly decreased the gradient from average 90+ to 10+ mm Hg and resolved systolic anterior leaflet motion in all with only mild residual mitral regurgitation. There were no deaths or any other major complications in this group. It is a small group of patients with excellent result but no definitive conclusion can be drawn regarding validity of the technique from this study. The controversy remains regarding the approach, trans-aortic vs. trans-mitral and whether leaflets should be left alone, plicated or lengthened as well as whether mitral valve should be repaired or replaced in addition to septal myectomy. One certainty remains, extended myectomy done either way, is the foundation of the surgical treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.