RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Pulmonary endarterectomy: the potentially curative treatment for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension JF European Respiratory Review JO EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW FD European Respiratory Society SP 263 OP 271 DO 10.1183/16000617.00000815 VO 24 IS 136 A1 David Jenkins YR 2015 UL http://err.ersjournals.com/content/24/136/263.abstract AB Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the treatment of choice to relieve pulmonary artery obstruction in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). It is a complex surgical procedure with a simple principle: removal of obstructive thromboembolic material from the pulmonary arteries in order to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance, relieve pulmonary hypertension (PH) and alleviate right ventricular dysfunction. In the majority of patients there is symptomatic and prognostic benefit. However, not all patients with CTEPH are suitable for treatment with PEA. Operability assessment is not always easy, being largely subjective and based on experience. It is therefore important that all patients are referred to an experienced CTEPH centre for careful evaluation of suitability for surgery. The most common reason for inoperability is distal vasculopathy accounting for a high proportion of the vascular resistance. Surgery requires cardiopulmonary bypass and periods of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Complications include reperfusion lung injury and persistent PH. However, with careful patient selection, surgical technique and post-operative management, PEA is a highly effective treatment with mortality rates <5% at experienced centres. Patients who are unsuitable for surgery may be candidates for medical therapy. A review of pulmonary endarterectomy as a CTEPH treatment, including patient assessment, risks and outcomes http://ow.ly/L82F7