Thanx again

[r2Godsgirl]

Again, I would like to thank you for this site and the information you post here!!!

I wish I had taken your advise and seen the HCM specialists in October when you told me to!!!! (I should have had my head examined too)

They mentioned there may be a need for upper and lower chambers. This is as you know a new procedure and they don't know the long term effects.

What information do you have on this procedure?

[Sarah]

hi

I'm glad we've been of help.

I'm afraid I don't know what procedure you mean by "upper and lower chambers" --are you talking about a dual pacemaker?

Thanks,

S

[r2Godsgirl]

I guess I thought you were a mind reader.

I mean the myectomy surgery. They said they may need to do both the upper and lower chambers due to thickness in the lower chamber also.

[Lisa Salberg]

I am not so sure about your terms... Myectomy is the procedure to remove the "bulge" from the heart to allow the blood to leave the lower portion of the heart.. the lower part is the ventricle..the upper part is the Atria. I have never heard of an apical myectomy???
I am thinking that your septum is rather large so that they may have to go deep into the ventricle rather then only cutting the top portion they may have to move into the mid cavity or the middle (lower) part of the ventricle???
Just a thought. I would call and clear up the questions pre procedure so that you are clear and to the plan of action.

Lisa

[Sarah]

hm

Dear Lori,

Myectomies are done on the septal wall of the ventricle (the lower chamber). If they are going to do the atria, too, I think that is the new part.

I haven't heard of anyone here having that done.... anyone....anyone??

If it is anything like the regular myectomy, you should be fine. The most important part is clearing out the extra so your heart can function.

take care,

S

[r2Godsgirl]

I think you have it Sarah. There have only been 12 of these done.

I apologize for my lack of knowledge on the "technical terms"

They did mention that the thickness in the lower part may be causing symptoms as well.

When they explained it to me they showed me the that the upper part of my heart was thick. This also causes thickness down below that area as a result. That is where the other thickness is.

[Lisa Salberg]

OK I am with you now... You are talking about an Apical myectomy... they remove extra tissue from the bottom of the ventricle...it is new however the traditional myectomy removing the tissue from the upper part of the ventricle is 30+ years old.
The reg. myectomy is tried and true..the apical is rather unknown at this point as to if how it may help the heart.
Lisa