Balloon pulmonary angioplasty in the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: recent advances and future perspectives

Abstract

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension constitutes a significant late sequela of pulmonary embolism. It is defined by precapillary pulmonary hypertension with mismatched perfusion defects and pulmonary arterial lesions after at least 3 months of effective anticoagulation. Symptomatic patients who do not have pulmonary hypertension yet fulfill all other criteria are diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic disease. The treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is based on 3 pillars: pulmonary endarterectomy, pulmonary arterial hypertension–targeted medication, and balloon pulmonary angioplasty. Surgical pulmonary endarterectomy is the standard of care and can be performed in 2/3 of all patients. Targeted medication with or without balloon pulmonary angioplasty is reserved for inoperable patients or those with residual pulmonary hypertension after surgical treatment. Despite the lack of profound evidence, the treatment of chronic thromboembolic disease is similar to that of patients with pulmonary hypertension: pulmonary endarterectomy is offered to operable individuals, whereas balloon pulmonary angioplasty is considered in inoperable patients. Since therapeutic strategies are complex, and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures—demanding, treatment in a specialized, experienced center is mandatory.