Clinical Significance of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patients Undergoing Septal Myectomy.

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after surgical myectomy remains unknown. We sought to investigate the association between POAF and atrial fibrillation (AF) or cardioembolic events during follow-up to bridge this gap. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgical myectomy at 2 HCM referral centres in North America from 2002 to 2020 were included in this study. Patients with preoperative AF were excluded. POAF was defined as any episode of AF within 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: Of 1176 patients, 375 (31.9%) had POAF. Age (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.06; P < 0.001), premyectomy left atrial diameter (LAD; adjusted HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.32-2.02; P < 0.001), and smoking (adjusted HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.17-2.20; P = 0.001) were associated with POAF on multivariable analysis. Of 934 patients with follow-up data, of duration 4.3 ± 4.1 years, AF was detected in 86 (9.2%). Only POAF (HR 4.20, 95% CI 2.44-7.23; P < 0.001), previous history of stroke (HR 4.81, 95% CI 1.63-14.17; P = 0.01), and postmyectomy LAD (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.21-2.70; P = 0.004) were associated with AF incidence during follow-up. Cardioembolic events occurred in only 15 patients (1.6%). POAF was not associated with increased cardioembolic risk, with only 3 patients with POAF suffering such an event, all more than 4 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: POAF is common in HCM patients undergoing myectomy and is a predictor of AF during follow-up. Over long-term follow-up, cardioembolic events are uncommon. These findings suggest that routine long-term anticoagulation for all HCM patients with postmyectomy AF is not justified after the initial postoperative period.

Ventricular Septal Myectomy for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (Analysis Spanning 60 Years Of Practice): AJC Expert Panel.

Surgical myectomy remains the time-honored primary treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients with drug refractory limiting symptoms due to LV outflow obstruction. Based on >50 years experience, surgery reliably reverses disabling heart failure by permanently abolishing mechanical outflow impedance and mitral regurgitation, with normalization of LV pressures and preserved systolic function. A consortium of 10 international currently active myectomy centers report about 11,000 operations, increasing significantly in number over the most recent 15 years. Performed in experienced multidisciplinary institutions, perioperative mortality for myectomy has declined to 0.6%, becoming one of the safest currently performed open-heart procedures. Extended myectomy relieves symptoms in >90% of patients by ≥ 1 NYHA functional class, returning most to normal daily activity, and also with a long-term survival benefit; concomitant Cox-Maze procedure can reduce the number of atrial fibrillation episodes. Surgery, preferably performed in high volume clinical environments, continues to flourish as a guideline-based and preferred high benefit: low treatment risk option for adults and children with drug refractory disabling symptoms from obstruction, despite prior challenges: higher operative mortality/skepticism in 1960s/1970s; dual-chamber pacing in 1990s, alcohol ablation in 2000s, and now introduction of novel negative inotropic drugs potentially useful for symptom management.

Left atrial remodeling postseptal myectomy for severe obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Analysis by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Septal myectomy relieves left ventricular outflow obstruction (LVOTO) and is associated with excellent long-term outcomes. LVOTO is associated with diastolic dysfunction and increased left atrial (LA) size. We sought to investigate the changes in LA volumes and function postmyectomy and the association between these changes with clinical outcomes postmyectomy. METHODS: Sixty-six hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients undergoing myectomy were retrospectively studied. Preprocedural and 6- to 18-month postmyectomy follow-up transthoracic echocardiographic images were obtained. LA volumes and strain were assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. RESULTS: Left atrial volumes, that is, indexed maximal, minimal, and pre-A volumes reduced postmyectomy, yet remained increased compared to controls (105.6 ± 34.5 mL vs 84.9 ± 26.7 mL, 45.2 ± 25.7 mL vs 35.4 ± 22.6 mL, 70.1 ± 31.4 mL vs 35.4 ± 22.6 mL, respectively, P < 0.05). The total emptying index did not improve postmyectomy and remained lower than controls (58.6 ± 12.4 vs 59.9 ± 12.8, P = NS) whereas atrial contraction improved, yet did not normalize (active emptying index 36.1 ± 14.9 vs 41.1 ± 16.2, P < 0.05). The conduit volume remained reduced postmyectomy (18.6 ± 13.3 mL vs 16.6 ± 15.1 mL, P = NS). LA strain also did not improve postmyectomy (26.8 ± 7.3 vs 28.5 ± 8.8, P = NS). A multivariable logistic regression identified preprocedural E/e' ratio and indexed maximal LA volume, as independent predictors for LA volume reduction ≥20% postmyectomy. During a mean follow-up of 4.9 ± 2.3 years postmyectomy, 24.2% of the patients developed atrial fibrillation and <5% of patients were severely symptomatic. We found no associations between LA volumes/function and atrial fibrillation or symptoms postmyectomy. CONCLUSION: Postmyectomy LA volumes decreased, and the contractile function improved. There was no association between LA volumes/function and clinical outcomes postmyectomy. Notably, the LA remained enlarged (though to a lesser degree) with reduced strain and emptying fraction, suggesting possible atrial myopathy.

Isolated septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: an update on the Toronto General Hospital experience.

BACKGROUND: Isolated septal myectomy is considered the gold standard for refractory left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction at centers with dedicated hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) surgeons. In this paper, we provide an update on the Toronto General Hospital (TGH) experience for isolated septal myectomy and comment on the safety and efficacy of myectomy in patients with thin basal septal thickness at our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing surgical myectomy at our institution from January 2012 to August 2016. We analyzed patient characteristics, intraoperative variables, pre- and post-procedural echocardiographic parameters, and key outcomes including post-operative stroke, renal failure, iatrogenic ventricular septal defect (VSD), post-procedure insertion of permanent pacemaker, and mortality. RESULTS: At our institution, 150 isolated septal myectomy surgeries were performed over the study period. Preoperative echocardiography demonstrated an average basal septal thickness of 2.10±0.43 cm with a resting gradient of 67±37 mmHg and a provoked gradient of 89±40 mmHg. Fifty percent of patients had significant systolic anterior motion (SAM) of their mitral valve and 53% had associated moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Of note, 24% of patients had a thin septum of ≤1.7 cm. Discharge echocardiograms demonstrated significant septal reduction to an average basal septal thickness of 1.04±0.26 (P<0.05), with negligible resting and provokable LVOT gradients. At the time of discharge, none of the patients had significant SAM and only 5.3% of patients had residual greater than mild MR. Patients undergoing isolated myectomy with a thin basal septum had similar outcomes to those with a >1.7 cm septal thickness. In our contemporary cohort, there were no iatrogenic VSDs, 5.3% of patients required a permanent pacemaker and there was one early death. CONCLUSIONS: Our cohort demonstrates that isolated septal myectomy remains a safe and effective operation that can achieve excellent results, irrespective of basal septal thickness, when done by experienced surgeons in a dedicated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) center.

Transaortic septal myectomy: techniques and pitfalls.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common congenital cardiac disease, affecting up to 1 in 200 individuals. When it causes left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, treatment is indicated to reduce symptoms and the risk of sudden cardiac death. Pharmacologic therapy is the first line treatment, however if it fails, surgical myectomy or percutaneous ablation of the hypertrophic myocardium are the standard therapies to eliminate subaortic obstruction. Both surgical myectomy and percutaneous ablation have been demonstrated as safe and effective treatments; however, myectomy is the gold standard with a significantly lower complication rate and more complete and longstanding reduction of LVOT obstruction.

Short and medium term outcomes of surgery for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: We report one surgeon's experience of corrective surgery for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) over a 10-year span and comment on factors that influence longer term outcomes. Septal myectomy (SM) and adjunctive procedures, including shortening of the aorta, a novel technique in HOCM patients, are described. METHODS: Perioperative data were obtained by retrospective review of institutional surgical databases between 2001 and 2011. Review of most recent echocardiogram and clinical status by telephone interview was performed. RESULTS: A total of 211 patients underwent SM for HOCM. There was a bimodal age distribution related to sex; mean age for males and females was 46 ± 13 and 54 ± 14 years, respectively (p < 0.001). Functional New York Heart Association (NYHA) class improved significantly after surgery; 79% were in class III-IV preoperatively and 84% were in class I-II at follow-up (p < 0.001). Sixty percent had angina of Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) grade III-IV preoperatively and 89% were in CCS I-II at follow-up (p < 0.001). There were significant improvements in resting left ventricular outflow tract gradient (64 ± 36 to 5 ± 5 mm Hg, p < 0.001), right ventricular systolic pressure (36 ± 7.3 to 32 ± 8 mm Hg, p < 0.001), left atrial size (4.6 ± 0.7 to 4.3 ± 0.6 cm, p < 0.001), and grade of mitral regurgitation (moderate to severe mitral regurgitation 28% to 3.5%, p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 0.5%, 1 year survival 98.6%, and 5-year survival 98.1%. Predictors of worse clinical outcomes were preoperative NYHA and CCS class III-IV (p < 0.001, p = 0.05), new onset atrial fibrillation (p < 0.001), and female sex (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Septal myectomy in patients with obstructive HOCM offers excellent symptom relief and minimal operative risk.

Effect of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction on Left Atrial Mechanics in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Left atrial (LA) volumes are known to be increased in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and are a predictor of adverse outcome. In addition, LA function is impaired and is presumed to be due to left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction as a result of hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis. In the current study, we assess the incremental effect of outflow tract obstruction (and concomitant mitral regurgitation) on LA function as assessed by LA strain. Patients with HCM (50 obstructive, 50 nonobstructive) were compared to 50 normal controls. A subset of obstructive patients who had undergone septal myectomy was also studied. Utilising feature-tracking software applied to cardiovascular magnetic resonance images, LA volumes and functional parameters were calculated. LA volumes were significantly elevated and LA ejection fraction and strain were significantly reduced in patients with HCM compared with controls and were significantly more affected in patients with obstruction. LA volumes and function were significantly improved after septal myectomy. LVOT obstruction and mitral regurgitation appear to further impair LA mechanics. Septal myectomy results in a significant reduction in LA volumes, paralleled by an improvement in function.

Significance of left ventricular apical-basal muscle bundle identified by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

AIMS: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has improved diagnostic and management strategies in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) by expanding our appreciation for the diverse phenotypic expression. We sought to characterize the prevalence and clinical significance of a recently identified accessory left ventricular (LV) muscle bundle extending from the apex to the basal septum or anterior wall (i.e. apical-basal). METHODS AND RESULTS: CMR was performed in 230 genotyped HCM patients (48 ± 15 years, 69% male), 30 genotype-positive/phenotype-negative (G+/P-) family members (32 ± 15 years, 30% male), and 126 controls. Left ventricular apical-basal muscle bundle was identified in 145 of 230 (63%) HCM patients, 18 of 30 (60%) G+/P- family members, and 12 of 126 (10%) controls (G+/P- vs. controls; P < 0.01). In HCM patients, the prevalence of an apical-basal muscle bundle was similar among those with disease-causing sarcomere mutations compared with patients without mutation (64 vs. 62%; P = 0.88). The presence of an LV apical-basal muscle bundle was not associated with LV outflow tract obstruction (P = 0.61). In follow-up, 33 patients underwent surgical myectomy of whom 22 (67%) were identified to have an accessory LV apical-basal muscle bundle, which was resected in all patients. CONCLUSION: Apical-basal muscle bundles are a unique myocardial structure commonly present in HCM patients as well as in G+/P- family members and may represent an additional morphologic marker for HCM diagnosis in genotype-positive status.

Myocardial mechanical remodeling after septal myectomy for severe obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Septal myectomy for symptomatic patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a well-established procedure for symptomatic relief. Myocardial mechanics are abnormal in patients with HOCM, demonstrating low longitudinal strain, high circumferential strain, and high apical rotation compared with healthy subjects. The aim of this study was to determine whether functional improvement after myectomy is associated with improved myocardial mechanics. METHODS: Clinical data and paired echocardiographic studies before and after myectomy (6-18 months) were retrospectively analyzed and compared in 66 patients (mean age, 54 ± 13 years; 64% men) with HOCM. Myocardial mechanics including longitudinal and circumferential strain and rotation were assessed using two-dimensional strain software (Velocity Vector Imaging). RESULTS: Patients had significant symptomatic alleviation (mean New York Heart Association class, 2.8 ± 0.4 at baseline and 1.3 ± 0.5 after myectomy; P < .05). Left ventricular outflow gradient decreased dramatically (from 93 ± 26 to 17 ± 12 mm Hg; P < .05), and left atrial volume index decreased (from 48 ± 16 to 37 ± 13 cm(3)/m(2); P < .05). Low longitudinal strain decreased at the myectomy site, increased in the lateral segments, and remained unchanged globally (-16 ± 4). High circumferential strain decreased (from -31 ± 5 to -25 ± 6, P < .05). High left ventricular twist normalized (from -15.5 ± 6.2° to 12.8 ± 4.2°, P < .05). Independent predictors of symptomatic response included younger age before myectomy, thinner posterior wall, and higher lateral early diastolic velocity (e'). CONCLUSION: In patients with HOCM, surgical myectomy alleviated symptoms, relieved obstruction, and decreased left atrial volume index. Longitudinal strain remained unchanged, but circumferential strain and rotation decreased, demonstrating different mechanical adaptations to chronic elevated afterload seen in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing valve replacement. Disease extent (age, posterior wall involvement) and the presence of diastolic dysfunction seem to be related to partial symptomatic response to myectomy.

Myocardial fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: accurate reflection of histopathological findings by CMR.

OBJECTIVES: In this study we sought to explore the relationship between cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and histopathological parameters including interstitial fibrosis and replacement fibrosis (scar) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). BACKGROUND: CMR-LGE is a well-established tool for the assessment of scar in ischemic heart disease. Its role in HCM has evolved in recent years, and an association with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia has been demonstrated. METHODS: HCM patients who underwent septal myectomy during the period 2004 through 2010 and had undergone CMR-LGE no more than 6 months before surgery were selected. Histopathological assessment of the myectomy specimens included quantitative digital analysis (interstitial and replacement fibrosis) and semiquantitative assessment (small intramural coronary arteriole dysplasia and disarray). Correlations between CMR-LGE measured with various techniques, SD above the signal intensity for the normal remote myocardium (2, 4, 5, 6, and 10 SD) and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) technique, at the myectomy site, and interstitial fibrosis, replacement fibrosis (scar), and their sum (fibrosis + scar) were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were included. Statistically significant correlations between CMR-LGE (at 2, 4, 5, 6, 10 SD and by the FWHM technique), and both interstitial fibrosis and the combined interstitial and replacement fibrosis were found. The strongest correlation was between combined interstitial and replacement fibrosis and CMR-LGE measured at 5 SD (r = 0.78, p < 0.0001). LGE measured at 10 SD demonstrated the best correlation with replacement fibrosis (r = 0.42, p = 0.02). Bland-Altman analysis revealed optimum agreement between the combined interstitial and replacement fibrosis found at pathology and LGE measured at 4 SD. In addition, moderate and severe small intramural coronary artery dysplasia showed a statistically significant correlation with replacement fibrosis (p = 0.01) and CMR-LGE at 10 SD (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: CMR-LGE measured at 4 SD and 5 SD yields the closest approximation to the extent of total fibrosis measured by the histopathological standard of reference. These findings have implications for future investigations of CMR-LGE and its association with important clinical endpoints in HCM, including sudden cardiac death.

Long-term survival in patients with resting obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy comparison of conservative versus invasive treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the survival of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and resting left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction managed with an invasive versus a conservative strategy. BACKGROUND: In patients with resting obstructive HCM, clinical benefit can be achieved after invasive septal reduction therapy. However, it remains controversial whether invasive treatment improves long-term survival. METHODS: We studied a consecutive cohort of 649 patients with resting obstructive HCM. Total and HCM-related mortality were compared in 246 patients who were conservatively managed with 403 patients who were invasively managed by surgical myectomy, septal ethanol ablation, or dual-chamber pacing. RESULTS: Multivariable analyses (with invasive therapy treated as a time-dependent covariate) showed that an invasive intervention was a significant determinant of overall mortality (hazard ratio: 0.6, 95% confidence interval: 0.4 to 0.97, p = 0.04). Overall survival rates were greater in the invasive (99.2% 1-year, 95.7% 5-year, and 87.8% 10-year survival) than in the conservative (97.3% 1-year, 91.1% 5-year, and 75.8% 10-year survival, p = 0.008) cohort. However, invasive therapy was not found to be a significant independent predictor of HCM-related mortality (hazard ratio: 0.7, 95% confidence interval: 0.4 to 1.3, p = 0.3). The HCM-related survival was 99.5% (1 year), 96.3% (5 years), and 90.2% (10 years) in the invasive cohort, and 97.8% (1 year), 94.6% (5 years), and 86.9% (10 years) in the conservative cohort (p = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated invasively have an overall survival advantage compared with conservatively treated patients, with the latter group more likely to die from noncardiac causes. The HCM-related mortality is similar, regardless of a conservative versus invasive strategy.

Left apical pedunculated thrombus with normal ventricular function mimicking an intracardiac tumor.

Left ventricular thrombus formation in the presence of normal ventricular function is a rare phenomenon, with only seven cases described in the literature. Their morbidity arises from the embolic sequelae that ensues. The management of these patients is complex, and requires the decision-making process of both the medical and surgical teams.

Incidence and impact of dysphagia in patients receiving prolonged endotracheal intubation after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery is frequently associated with prolonged endotracheal intubation. Because oral feeding is an important component of patient recovery after high-risk surgery, we sought to examine the contribution of dysphagia in the recuperation process after prolonged endotracheal intubation. METHODS: All 254 adult patients who survived cardiac surgery between 2001 and 2004 at the Toronto General Hospital and in whom endotracheal intubation lasted for 48 hours or longer were eligible for our retrospective review. We used multivariate regression analysis and parametric modelling to identify patient-specific characteristics associated with postextubation dysphagia and the subsequent resumption of normal oral feeding. RESULTS: Dysphagia was diagnosed in 130 (51%) patients. Incremental factors associated with an increased risk for postextubation dysphagia included duration of endotracheal intubation (p < 0.001), the occurrence of a perioperative cerebrovascular event (p = 0.014) and the presence of perioperative sepsis (p = 0.016). Neither preoperative patient risks nor index procedural characteristics were influential factors. The occurrence of dysphagia (p < 0.001) and the duration of endotracheal intubation (p < 0.001) were the only independent factors associated with a delayed return to normal oral feeding. In contrast, several independent factors were associated with a delay to hospital discharge, including the presence of dysphagia (p < 0.001), occurrence of perioperative stroke (p < 0.001), duration of endotracheal intubation (p < 0.001) and number of endotracheal intubation events (p < 0.006). CONCLUSION: Dysphagia is more common in patients with prolonged endotracheal intubation after cardiac surgery than has previously been reported. The duration of postoperative endotracheal intubation is a strong predictor of subsequent dysphagia that both prolongs the return to normal oral feeding and delays subsequent hospital discharge. Patient-or procedure-specific factors are not good predictors. To accelerate discharge of high-risk patients, aggressive nutritional supplementation should pre-empt extubation and swallowing surveillance should follow.

Clinical and echocardiographic determinants of long-term survival after surgical myectomy in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Surgical myectomy has been the standard treatment for patients with drug-refractory obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The clinical and echocardiographic predictors of long-term survival and freedom from cardiovascular morbidity after myectomy have been unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied a consecutive cohort of 338 adult patients (age at operation 47+/-14 [range 18 to 77] years, 60% male) who underwent myectomy at our institution. Preoperative resting left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient was 66+/-32 mm Hg (range 5 to 158 mm Hg). Early postoperative mortality was 1.5% (5 deaths): 4 deaths occurred between 1978 and 1992, and 1 death occurred between 1993 and 2002. During long-term follow-up, 83% of patients reported an improvement to functional class I or II. The majority of patients (98%) had no resting LVOT gradient. Long-term survival was excellent, with 98+/-1% survival at 1 year, 95+/-1% at 5 years, and 83+/-3% at 10 years after myectomy. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified 5 predictors of overall mortality: (1) age > or =50 years at surgery (hazard ratio [HR] 2.8, 95% CI 1.5 to 5.1, P=0.001), (2) female gender (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5 to 4.3, P=0.0009), (3) history of preoperative atrial fibrillation (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.0, P=0.008), (4) concomitant CABG (HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.7 to 8.2, P=0.001), and (5) preoperative left atrial diameter > or =46 mm (HR 2.9, 95% CI 1.6 to 5.4, P=0.0008). Significant predictors of late major cardiovascular events found on multivariable analysis were (1) female gender (HR 3.3, 95% CI 2.0 to 5.4, P<0.0001), (2) history of preoperative atrial fibrillation (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.3, P=0.02), and (3) preoperative left atrial diameter > or =46 mm (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5 to 4.3, P=0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: Myectomy provides excellent relief for LVOT obstruction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Preoperative clinical and echocardiographic variables can predict long-term outcome after myectomy.

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: comparison of outcomes after myectomy or alcohol ablation adjusted by propensity score.

OBJECTIVE: In November 1998, our center began offering alcohol ablation as an alternative to surgical myectomy for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Patients with concomitant lesions were referred for surgical intervention, and the others were offered either treatment option. We sought to review the early outcomes for both protocols. METHODS: One hundred fifty patients had intervention for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy to June 30, 2003. Sixty patients elected to have alcohol ablation, and 5 crossed over to surgical intervention. A total of 95 patients had a myectomy. Patients having an isolated myectomy (n = 48) are compared with those who had an ablation. Hospital records were reviewed, and follow-up contact (mean, 2.2 years) with the patient or referring cardiologist and recent echocardiographic reports were obtained. Differences in clinical and hemodynamic outcomes between achieved treatment groups were compared after adjustment for differing baseline patient characteristics, including use of a propensity score, to adjust for the non-randomization. RESULTS: The patients undergoing alcohol ablation (n = 60) were older (58 vs 48 years) and had fewer associated lesions (1 vs 39 patients), lower pressure gradients (67 vs 73 mm Hg), and similar symptomatic status and degrees of mitral regurgitation compared with those in the myectomy group. Alcohol ablation was abandoned in 6 patients, 5 of whom underwent myectomy. Among the completed alcohol ablations, there were 5 late deaths, and 1 other patient was referred for myectomy. One late death occurred after myectomy. At latest follow-up, 3-year survival is 97%, and 92% of the patients are in New York Heart Association class II or I. Adjusted comparisons showed significantly lower postintervention left ventricular outflow gradients at rest in the myectomy group (5 vs 15 mm Hg), with provocation (14 vs 42 mm Hg), mitral systolic anterior motion (67% vs 29%), and New York Heart Association class. No significant difference was present in postintervention septal thickness or freedom from postintervention pacing, although in time-related analysis, the 3-year freedom from pacing is 88% versus 59% (P = .02), favoring myectomy. CONCLUSION: Either alcohol ablation or myectomy offers substantial clinical improvement for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Hemodynamic resolution of the obstruction and its sequelae is more complete with myectomy. Residual lesions after alcohol ablation might affect longer-term outcomes.