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Alcohol Septal Ablation – Why & How It’s Done, Its Risks & Benefits

Alcohol Septal Ablation – Why & How It’s Done, Its Risks & Benefits

How Alcohol Septal Ablation Is Performed?

Risks Associated With Alcohol Septal Ablation Procedure!

Benefits of Alcohol Septal Ablation Procedure!

 

If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, your doctor may recommend a procedure called alcohol septal ablation. This procedure is used to correct a condition called hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, or HOCM. It is a condition in which the heart muscle thickens, making it harder for blood to flow through the heart which can further lead to heart failure. It utilizes alcohol to destroy the part of the heart muscle that is causing the obstruction. The procedure is usually done using a catheter, which is a thin tube that is inserted into the heart through an artery in the leg that is directed upwards towards the heart. The alcohol is then injected through the catheter into the heart muscle.

How Alcohol Septal Ablation Is Performed?

The goal of the alcohol septal ablation procedure is to relieve heart symptoms by reducing the amount of muscle tissue in the septum, the wall separating the left and right sides of the heart. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the heart through a small incision in the leg. A special solution of alcohol is then injected into the septum, causing the muscle tissue to die.

Further on the Procedure

This procedure affects a partial ablation, or destruction, of the septum, which in turn decreases the size of the left ventricle and improves blood flow through the heart. Over time, the septum will remodel, reducing the obstruction thereby relieving the obstructive symptoms. This is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic HCM, and can improve quality of life for patients with this condition. After the procedure, you will need to stay in the hospital for a few days so that your heart can be monitored. You may also need to take medication to prevent heart rhythm problems.

Risks Associated With Alcohol Septal Ablation Procedure!

There are a few risks associated with the alcohol septal ablation procedure, but they are generally considered to be rare and minor. The most common risk is bleeding from the puncture site in the artery. This usually resolves on its own and is not considered to be a serious complication. There is also a risk of infection at the puncture site. However, this is also rare. Also, it can usually be treated with antibiotics. In very rare cases, there is a risk of cardiac arrhythmia or stroke associated with the procedure. However, this is typically only seen in patients with underlying heart conditions. Overall, the risks of this procedure are considered to be low. However, as with any medical procedure, there are always some minor risks involved. 

Benefits of Alcohol Septal Ablation Procedure!

There are a number of benefits of alcohol septal ablation. These include a shorter hospital stay, a lower risk of complications, and a quicker recovery time. This procedure can also be an effective treatment for those who have failed other medical therapies. If you’re considering this procedure, be sure to talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you.

Connect With Dr. Arun

If you have a cardiac condition that requires surgical intervention from an expert cardiologist, Dr. Arun Hari is the go-to cardiologist who can certainly help improve your overall quality of life using his special care, treatment methods, and his expertise in interventional cardiology.