Perioperative management of pulmonary endarterectomy

Description

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) results from recurrent or incomplete resolution of pulmonary embolism. CTEPH is much more common than generally appreciated. It is imperative that all patients with PH be screened for the presence of CTEPH since this form of PH is potentially curable with pulmonary endarterectomy (PTE PEA) surgery. The success of this procedure depends greatly on the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team approach that includes pulmonary medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, and cardiac anesthesiology.Medical therapy for this disease is palliative, and ineffective in prolonging life. This presentation deals with the challenges faced with anesthetizing the patient for pulmonary endartectomy.