alcohol ablation/HOCM

  My Mom is 63 years old & has severe HOCM (NYHA class >IV). She is 150 lbs overweight, asthmatic & severly depressed from her incapacity to perform simple, everday tasks. Mom had a successful myectomy performed at Mayo Clinic in 1993, however, her condition has greatly deteriorated in the past 5 years. Due to my Mom's current state of health, the staff at Mayo has suggested a procedure known as Alcohol Ablation. We are having much difficulty locating specific information about this procedure. Could you please provide us with some general facts about this procedure & the current success rate?
  Thanks in advance for your response!  
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Jim
Alcohol ablation refers to an experimental procedure for HOCM. It is very similar to an angioplasty. It involves injecting alcohol down a small artery to kill the extra muscle that is causing the problem, a sort of non-surgical myectomy. It works most of the time. Sometimes a repeat procedure is needed in a few months. A not uncommon complication is the need for a pacemaker after the procedure. We have done several now and the procedure appears promising.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.