BENEFITS OF INTRAOPERATIVE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE SURGICAL-MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the role of intraoperative echocardiography in planning the site and extent of myectomy and in ensuring adequate control of the left ventricular outflow tract gradient. BACKGROUND: Although intraoperative echocardiography has been found to be beneficial in patients undergoing valve repair, its impact on surgical decisions in patients undergoing septal myectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has not been described. METHODS: In 50 patients undergoing septal myectomy over a 5-year period, epicardial echocardiography was performed before cardiopulmonary bypass to establish the extent of outflow tract obstruction, locate its site and plan th..