Intraoperative management of pulmonary hypertension and associated right heart failure.
OBJECTIVE
Pulmonary hypertension is associated with high perioperative morbidity and mortality. Management of intraoperative pulmonary hypertension, along with frequently associated right heart failure, is extremely challenging. We now review the pathophysiology and clinical management of pulmonary hypertension, and associated right heart failure.


RESULTS
Pulmonary hypertension results from a combination of both environmental and genetic influences. Current treatments include the use of pulmonary vasodilators, optimization of inotropic agents to support cardiac function, maintenance of perfusion to the right ventricle, and correction of any physiologically detrimental conditions (e.g. hypoxemia, hypercarbia, acidosis, hypothermia, hypervolemia, and increased intrathoracic pressure).


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of pulmonary hypertension pathophysiology and treatment modalities will not only improve intraoperative management but also reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality.
Gordon
Claire
C
Department of Anesthesiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Collard
Charles D
CD
Pan
Wei
W
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents