Thromboendarterectomy for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

We describe our experience of treating chronic major vessel thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension with pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. Thromboendarterectomy was performed in 15 patients through a median sternotomy incision using extracorporeal circulation and deep hypothermia. Postoperatively mean pulmonary artery pressure, mean pulmonary vascular resistance, and cardiac index were significantly improved (p < 0.001). Four patients died during surgery, mainly from perfusion edema (operative mortality 27%). The 11 surviving patients received long-term anticoagulant therapy and no incidence of thromboembolism has occurred during the follow-up period. All have shown sustained pulmonary hemodynamic improvement; however, there were 2 late deaths from cardiac failure. We conclude that thromboendarterectomy is an effective treatment for chronic major vessel thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.