Objective: To compare the effect of percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (n = 20) with subaortic ventriculotomy (n = 17) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy by echocardiography.
Methods: The pre- and post-operation (1 week post procedure) gradients of left ventricular out flow (LVOTGs) were measured by echocardiography.
Results: Post operation LVOTGs were significantly reduced than that of pre-operation in patients treated with either percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation [(36 +/- 20) vs. (99 +/- 19) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa), P < 0.05], or subaortic ventriculotomy [(28 +/- 17) vs. (117 +/- 32) mm Hg]. Post operation LVOTGs were also similar with the two procedures [(36 +/- 20) vs. (28 +/- 17) mm Hg, P > 0.05].
Conclusion: Percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation is as effective as subaortic ventriculotomy in treating patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.