Septal Myectomy/Myotomy

Restore Optimal Heart Function

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy involves abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, typically the septum in the left ventricle, but it may also affect the right ventricle. When the septum becomes thick and enlarged, it obstructs blood flow into the aorta from the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber. A septal myectomy or myotomy is a surgical procedure that helps restore optimal heart function in people with this condition.

This surgery is recommended for people with severe symptoms, who aren’t seeing results from medication alone, or whose obstruction of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta is severe.

What to expect

Septal myectomy or myotomy is open heart surgery made through an incision in the breastbone or sternum so the surgeon can fully see the defect. The thickened heart muscle is cut and removed. The entire procedure can take anywhere from three to four hours.

Cardiac rehabilitation after surgery

To assist in regaining your strength after surgery, your cardiac surgeon will recommend Cardiac Rehab at one of Wellstar’s many outpatient locations. The Cardiac Rehab team will work with you to develop an exercise regimen, monitor you during your exercise sessions and provide support and education to help you live a healthier life.


Learn about the highly skilled surgical care you'll receive through Wellstar's cardiovascular surgery program.