Evaluation of patients for pulmonary endarterectomy.
Chronic thromboembolic obstruction of the pulmonary vascular bed has been increasingly recognized as a treatable form of pulmonary hypertension, with surgery referred to as a pulmonary endarterectomy. Careful evaluation of patients with pulmonary hypertension and proper selection of those with surgically accessible, chronic thromboembolic disease are critical determinants for a successful outcome from this operation. This article describes the clinical presentation, appropriate evaluation, and an approach to surgical selection for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Wray
C Jackson
CJ
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92037-1300, USA.
Auger
William R
WR
D002908:Chronic Disease; D003657:Decision Making; D004691:Endarterectomy; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*