Recent advances in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Surgical excellence in pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) has begun to spread around the world. The perioperative mortality for this procedure is typically under 10%. The maximal benefit from PTE is derived in those patients who have a high proximal clot burden that is surgically accessible, as outlined by the Jamieson classification. Residual pulmonary hypertension after successful PTE is common and increasingly is managed with maintenance oral pulmonary vasodilator therapy such as endothelin antagonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and/or prostaglandins. The role of pulmonary vasodilator therapy in CTEPH before PTE is limited and should not delay definitive surgical therapy. Although plain deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) is the classic technique for CTEPH, alternatives such as DHCA with antegrade cerebral perfusion are feasible as well. Prolonged mechanical ventilation after PTE remains common in part because of reperfusion pulmonary edema. Careful perioperative management can reduce the incidence of this syndrome. Because ventilator-associated pneumonia is also a common complication after PTE, it represents a major opportunity for outcome improvement, particularly because there are multiple modalities for its prevention and prompt diagnosis.

Management of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism, iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is responsible for the hospitalization of >250 000 Americans annually and represents a significant risk for morbidity and mortality. Despite the publication of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to aid in the management of VTE in its acute and chronic forms, the clinician is frequently confronted with manifestations of VTE for which data are sparse and optimal management is unclear. In particular, the optimal use of advanced therapies for acute VTE, including thrombolysis and catheter-based therapies, remains uncertain. This report addresses the management of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism (PE), iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (IFDVT),and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The goal is to provide practical advice to enable the busy clinician to optimize the management of patients with these severe manifestations of VTE. Although this document makes recommendations for management, optimal medical decisions must incorporate other factors, including patient wishes, quality of life, and life expectancy based on age and comorbidities. The appropriateness of these recommendations for a specific patient may vary depending on these factors and will be best judged by the bedside clinician.