In this case of cardiomyopathy, part of the septum dividing the ventricles, is interfering with the normal emptying of the left ventricle. This is one variety of the condition called hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). A catheter is introduced into the heart and through it, concentrated alcohol is applied to the abnormal area, shrinking it, allowing the heart to function normally.
Reviewed last on: 10/10/2008
Larry A. Weinrauch, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Private practice specializing in Cardiovascular Disease, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.