Surgical Management of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is a progressive disease, which may lead to severe right ventricular dysfunction and debilitating symptoms. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) provides the best opportunity for complete resolution of obstructing thromboembolic disease and functional improvement in appropriately selected patients. In this article, the authors review preoperative workup, patient selection, operative technique, postoperative care, and outcomes after PTE.

Keywords: Circulatory arrest; Pulmonary embolism; Pulmonary hypertension; Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy; Reperfusion.