Efficacy and safety of balloon pulmonary angioplasty for residual pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary endarterectomy

Introduction: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a known sequela after acute pulmonary embolism (PE). It is a debilitating disease, and potentially fatal if left untreated. This review provides a clinically relevant overview of the disease and discusses the usefulness and limitations of the various investigational and treatment options. Methods: A PubMed search on articles relevant to pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary endarterectomy, and balloon pulmonary angioplasty were performed. A total of 68 articles were found to be relevant and were reviewed. Results: CTEPH occurs as a result of non-resolution of thrombotic material, with subsequent fibrosis and scarring of the pulmonary arteries. Risk factors have been identified, but the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated. The cardinal symptom of CTEPH is dyspnoea on exertion, but the diagnosis is often challenging due to lack of awareness. The ventilation/perfusion scan is recommended for screening for CTEPH, with other modalities (eg. dual energy computed tomography pulmonary angiography) also being utilised in expert centres. Conventional pulmonary angiography with right heart catherisation is important in the final diagnosis of CTEPH. Conclusion: Operability assessment by a multidisciplinary team is crucial for the management of CTEPH, as pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) remains the guideline recommended treatment and has the best chance of cure. For inoperable patients or those with residual disease post-PEA, medical therapy or balloon pulmonary angioplasty are potential treatment options. Keywords: Balloon pulmonary angioplasty, Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, Pulmonary embolism, Pulmonary endarterectomy, Pulmonary hypertension

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Hemodynamic effects of balloon pulmonary angioplasty for the treatment of total and subtotal pulmonary artery occlusions in inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.1919 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

J Stepniewski ◽

W Magon ◽

R Przybylski ◽

G Kopec

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

Pulmonary Artery ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension ◽

Primary Efficacy ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Efficacy Outcome ◽

Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty ◽

Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract Background Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has become a therapeutic option for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEH). Despite significant improvement in the technique, treatment of subtotal (STO) and total (TO) pulmonary artery occlusions with BPA may pose risk, but the efficacy is unknown. Aim We aimed to study to assess safety and efficacy of BPA in STO/TO. Methods We included consecutive patients with inoperable CTEPH, who underwent BPA treatment. To evaluate the efficacy and safety we grouped all BPA sessions into those in which recanalization of at least one STO or TO was performed and into those without. The primary efficacy outcome was improvement in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in BPA sessions with STO/TO recanalization as compared to those without. Results We analyzed 169 BPA sessions in 50 CTEPH patients. Out of a total number of 832 lesions subjected for BPA, 168 were classified as STOs or TOs [129 (15,5%) and 39 (4,7%) respectively]. Three (2,3%) STOs and 8 (20,5%) TOs were not recanalized despite repeated attempts. There were 90 BPA sessions with at least one STO/TO recanalization. Racanalization of at least one STO/TO was associated with a trend towards PVR improvement as compared to non-STO/TO BPAs (−69±162 vs −38±135 dyn s cm–5, p=0,19). Recanalization of STO/TO at the level of segmental pulmonary artery as compared to subsegmental-only STO/TO recanalizations or no-STO/TO recanalization was associated with significant PVR improvement (−126±192 vs −38±135 dyn s cm–5, p=0.007). The rate of complications was similar in STO/TO and non-STO/TO BPA sessions (14.4% vs 12.6%, p=0.56). Conclusions The use of BPA for the recanalization of subtotal and total PA occlusions is safe and effective. Recanalization of segmental STO/TOs leads to significant improvement in PVR. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

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