Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: Initial Single-Center Experience

Status and Future Directions for Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Disease With and Without Pulmonary Hypertension: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty continues to gain traction as a treatment option for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease with and without pulmonary hypertension. Recent European Society of Cardiology guidelines on pulmonary hypertension now give balloon pulmonary angioplasty a Class 1 recommendation for inoperable and residual chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Not surprisingly, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension centers are rapidly initiating balloon pulmonary angioplasty programs. However, we need a comprehensive, expert consensus document outlining critical concepts, including identifying necessary personnel and expertise, criteria for patient selection, and a standardized approach to preprocedural planning and establishing criteria for evaluating procedural efficacy and safety. Given this lack of standards, the balloon pulmonary angioplasty skill set is learned through peer-to-peer contact and training. This document is a state-of-the-art, comprehensive statement from key thought leaders to address this gap in the current clinical practice of balloon pulmonary angioplasty. We summarize the current status of the procedure and provide a consensus opinion on the role of balloon pulmonary angioplasty in the overall care of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease with and without pulmonary hypertension. We also identify knowledge gaps, provide guidance for new centers interested in initiating balloon pulmonary angioplasty programs, and highlight future directions and research needs for this emerging therapy.

Nationwide trends of balloon pulmonary angioplasty and pulmonary thromboendarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (2012-2019)

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a sequela of a pulmonary embolus that occurs in approximately 1%-3% of patients. Pulmonary thromboendoarterectomy (PTE) can be a curative procedure, but balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has emerged as an option for poor surgical candidates. We used the National Inpatient Sample to query patients who underwent PTE or BPA between 2012 and 2019 with CTEPH. The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, tracheostomy, and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Outcomes were compared between low- and high-volume centers, defined as 5 and 10 procedures per year for BPA and PTE, respectively. During our study period, 870 BPA and 2395 PTE were performed. There was a 328% relative increase in the number of PTE performed during the study period. Adverse events for BPA were rare. There was an increase in the primary composite outcome for low-volume centers compared to high-volume centers for PTE (24.4% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.003). Patients with hospitalizations for PTE in low-volume centers were more likely to have prolonged mechanical ventilation (20.0%% vs. 7.2%, p < 0.001) and tracheostomy (7.8% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.017). In summary, PTE rates have been rising over the past 10 years, while BPA rates have remained stable. While adverse outcomes are rare for BPA, patients with hospitalizations at low-volume centers for PTE were more likely to have adverse outcomes. For patients undergoing treatment of CTEPH with BPA or PTE, referral to high-volume centers with multidisciplinary teams should be encouraged for optimal outcomes.

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension:its history and development, and regional medical cooperation in Fukushima

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is designated as an intractable disease by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, and has an extremely poor prognosis if untreated. Surgical pulmonary endarterectomy is the curative treatment for cases in which the organized thrombi are located in the central part of the pulmonary artery, but there had been no effective treatment for cases in which the thrombi are located in the peripheral part of the pulmonary artery. Recently, balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA), a transcatheter procedure to dilate stenotic or occluded lesions in the peripheral pulmonary artery, has been rapidly developed. Although BPA was once a globally abandoned procedure due to hemorrhagic complications, Japanese experts have improved the technique, and its safety and efficacy have been enhanced. As a result, BPA is now being reevaluated worldwide. This review describes the history and development of BPA in the treatment of CTEPH, as well as the status of this treatment in Fukushima Prefecture.

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a clinical consensus statement of the ESC working group on pulmonary circulation and right ventricular function

The current treatment algorithm for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) as depicted in the 2022 European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) includes a multimodal approach of combinations of pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) and medical therapies to target major vessel pulmonary vascular lesions, and microvasculopathy. Today, BPA of >1700 patients has been reported in the literature from centers in Asia, the US, and also Europe; many more patients have been treated outside literature reports. As BPA becomes part of routine care of patients with CTEPH, benchmarks for safe and effective care delivery become increasingly important. In light of this development, the ESC Working Group on Pulmonary Circulation and Right Ventricular Function has decided to publish a document that helps standardize BPA to meet the need of uniformity in patient selection, procedural planning, technical approach, materials and devices, treatment goals, complications including their management, and patient follow-up, thus complementing the guidelines. Delphi methodology was utilized for statements that were not evidence based. First, an anatomical nomenclature and a description of vascular lesions are provided. Second, treatment goals and definitions of complete BPA are outlined. Third, definitions of complications are presented which may be the basis for a standardized reporting in studies involving BPA. The document is intended to serve as a companion to the official ESC/ERS guidelines.

Evolving Role and Clinical Evidence in the Global Practice of Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) was first described in 2001 and now has evolved into a class I indication for inoperable or residual chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. This review article aims to describe evidence from studies performed at various pulmonary hypertension (PH) centers across the globe, to better understand the role of BPA in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease with and without PH. Additionally, we hope to highlight innovations and the ever-changing safety and efficacy profile of BPA.

Effect of Combination of Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty and Medical Therapy on Reverse Right Ventricular Remodeling and Hemodynamics in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

INTRODUCTION

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a progressive and debilitating disorder that results from incomplete resolution of vascular obstructions resulting in pulmonary hypertension. Surgical pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is the treatment of choice for CTEPH. Unfortunately, many CTEPH patients are ineligible for PTE or do not have access to an expert surgical center. Medical therapy imparts important symptomatic and exercise benefits for CTEPH patients, but it does not extend survival. Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is an emerging transcatheter approach that is both safe and efficacious. However, the potential synergy between upfront BPA and medical therapy treatment approaches in patients with inoperable CTEPH is unknown. Here, we evaluated how the combination of BPA and medical therapy compared to medical therapy alone in a newly established BPA program.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients with inoperable or residual CTEPH were evaluated in this single-center observational study. Ten patients underwent upfront BPA and medical therapy while 11 patients were treated with medical therapy alone. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic assessments were performed at baseline and at least 1 month after completion of therapy. Continuous variables were compared using t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test. Categorical variables were analyzed with Chi squared and Fisher's exact test where appropriate.

RESULTS

Combination therapy significantly reduced mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), but medical therapy only significantly lowered PVR. Comprehensive echocardiographic analysis revealed a more robust reverse right ventricular (RV) remodeling effect and augmentation of RV function with combination therapy. At the end of study, the combination therapy group had lower mPAP and PVR and better RV function. Importantly, there were no significant adverse effects in patients treated with BPA.

CONCLUSION

Combination therapy significantly improves hemodynamics and RV function in inoperable CTEPH while carrying an acceptable risk profile, even in a newly developed program. Further studies comparing upfront combination therapy to medical therapy with larger, long-term, and randomized approaches should be considered.

Refined Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: Initial Results of U.S. Regional Program

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of refined balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) in the treatment of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

Background

BPA is rapidly evolving therapeutic option for patients with nonsurgical CTEPH. There are few US studies that have reported on the outcomes of this novel therapeutic option.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of CTEPH patients that underwent BPA at Temple University Hospital. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) after BPA as compared to baseline and the primary safety endpoint was the rate of hemoptysis within 24 hours. Secondary endpoints included death, WHO functional class, and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). We used logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with a hemodynamic and functional response.

Results

A total of 211 BPA sessions were performed on 77 patients (average 2.7 ± 1.7 sessions/patient). After BPA the mean PVR improved by 26% (P<0.001) while the mean 6MWD improved by 71.7 meters (P <0.001) and WHO functional class improved by one functional class (P <0.001). Ten sessions (4.7%) were complicated by hemoptysis. The independent factors associated with a improved functional and hemodynamic response included the pre-procedural use of riociguat, reduce baseline PA compliance and > 3 BPA sessions per patient.

Conclusion

This single center study from the US showed that BPA with refined techniques in patients with CTEPH was safe and was associated with significant improvements in pulmonary hemodynamics and functional capacity.

Periprocedural Complications With Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty: Analysis of Global Studies

BACKGROUND

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) was introduced as a treatment modality for patients with inoperable, medically refractory chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension decades ago; however, reports of high rates of pulmonary vascular injury have led to considerable refinement in procedural technique.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to better understand the evolution of BPA procedure-related complications over time.

METHODS

The authors conducted a systematic review of original articles published by pulmonary hypertension centers globally and performed a pooled cohort analysis of procedure-related outcomes with BPA.

RESULTS

This systematic review identified 26 published articles from 18 countries worldwide from 2013 to 2022. A total of 1,714 patients underwent 7,561 total BPA procedures with an average follow up of 7.3 months. From the first period (2013-2017) to the second period (2018-2022), the cumulative incidence of hemoptysis/vascular injury decreased from 14.1% (474/3,351) to 7.7% (233/3,029) (P < 0.01); lung injury/reperfusion edema decreased from 11.3% (377/3,351) to 1.4% (57/3,943) (P < 0.01); invasive mechanical ventilation decreased from 0.7% (23/3,195) to 0.1% (4/3,062) (P < 0.01); and mortality decreased from 2.0% (13/636) to 0.8% (8/1,071) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Procedure-related complications with BPA, including hemoptysis/vascular injury, lung injury/reperfusion edema, mechanical ventilation, and death, were less common in the second period (2018-2022), compared with first period (2013-2017), likely from refinement in patient and lesion selection and procedural technique over time.

Establishing a balloon pulmonary angioplasty program for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: A United States single-center experience

INTRODUCTION

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a less invasive treatment alternative for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) who are unable to move forward with pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. This report describes a single-center experience with a nascent BPA program in the United States (US).

METHODS

All patients who underwent BPA between August 2018-2021 were included in this retrospective, single-center observational cohort. Pre- and post-procedure clinical information was collected, along with procedural characteristics.

RESULTS

Thirty patients began their BPA series during the study period. The majority of patients had segmental disease (n = 25, 83.3%). A total of 135 BPA procedures were performed on 417 segments. On average, patients completed 4.5 sessions and the majority of patients (n = 23, 76.7%) underwent more than 2. There were 24 episodes of hemoptysis and 20 procedural events that required treatment, typically with either heparin reversal or balloon tamponade. Of 26 participants with completed series, mean PA pressure (-6 mmHg, 95% CI -9 to -4 mmHg, p = 0.0001), PVR (-1.9 Wood units, 95% CI -2.9 to -1.0, p = 0.0002), and pulmonary compliance (-1.0 mL/mmHg, 95% CI -1.5 to -0.5, p = 0.0002) improved. Improvement was also seen in NYHA functional classification and walk distance (p = 0.01). Two deaths occurred, with one death peri-procedurally.

CONCLUSION

This paper describes an early experience with BPA at a single US center. Improvement in non-invasive and invasive metrics were seen without adding a significant morbidity to an already high-risk patient population.

Predictors of Improvement in Exercise Tolerance After Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Background Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) improves exercise tolerance and hemodynamic parameters in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. However, it is still unclear which patient characteristics contribute to the improvement in exercise tolerance after BPA in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Methods and Results We retrospectively analyzed 126 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (aged 63±14 years; female, 65%) who underwent BPA without concomitant programmed exercise rehabilitation at Keio University between November 2012 and April 2018. Hemodynamic data and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), as a measure of exercise tolerance, were evaluated before and 1 year after BPA. The clinical characteristics that contributed to improvement in exercise tolerance were elucidated. The 6MWD significantly increased from 372.0 m (256.5-431.3) to 462.0 m (378.8-537.0) 1 year after BPA (P<0.001). The improvement rate in the 6MWD after BPA exhibited a good correlation with age, height, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and 6MWD at baseline (Spearman rank correlation coefficients=-0.28, 0.24, -0.40, and 0.44, respectively). Additional multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that young age, tall height, high mean pulmonary artery pressure, short 6MWD at baseline, and high lung capacity at baseline were significant predictors of the improvement in 6MWD by BPA (standardized partial regression coefficient -0.39, 0.22, 0.19, -0.62, and 0.25, P<0.001, 0.007, 0.011, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). Conclusions BPA without concomitant programmed exercise rehabilitation significantly improves exercise tolerance. This was particularly true in young patients with high stature, high mean pulmonary artery pressure, short 6MWD, and lung capacity at the time of diagnosis.

Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the safety and efficacy of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) in the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systematic literature searches were performed from inception to June 2022 to identify studies assessing BPA for CTEPH. Outcomes of interest included the following functional and hemodynamic measures: (a) six-minute walk distance (6MWD), (b) New York Heart Association (NYHA) status, (c) World Health Organization (WHO)-Functional Class status, (d) cardiac index (CI), (e) mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), (f) mean right atrial pressure (mRAP), and (g) pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Subgroup analysis was also performed for BPA in post-pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) patients. All reported BPA-related complications were also recorded. Forty unique studies with a total of 1763 patients were identified for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

All functional and hemodynamic parameters improved significantly following BPA; 6MWD increased 70 m (95% CI 58-82; P < 0.001), NYHA class improved by - 0.9 classes (95% CI - 1.0 to - 0.8; P < 0.001), WHO-FC class improved by - 1 classes ((95% CI - 1.2 to - 0.9; P < 0.001), CI increased 0.26 L/min/m² (95% CI 0.17-0.35; P < 0.001), mPAP decreased - 13.2 mmHg (95% CI - 14.7 to - 11.8; P < 0.001), mRAP decreased - 2.2 mmHg (95% CI - 2.8 to - 1.6; P < 0.001), and PVR decreased - 311 dyne/cm/s^-5 (95% CI - 350 to - 271; P < 0.001). Meta-analysis of patients who underwent BPA for persistent pulmonary hypertension post-PEA demonstrated significant improvements in 6MWD, WHO-FC, PVR and mPAP. Most common complications included lung injury (8.16%), hemoptysis (7.07%) and vessel injury (5.05%).

CONCLUSION

BPA represents a safe and effective treatment option for select individuals with CTEPH with significant improvements in hemodynamic parameters, improved exercise tolerance and a relatively low risk of major complications.

Change in pulmonary arterial compliance and pulmonary pulsatile stress after balloon pulmonary angioplasty

OBJECTIVE

Although the underlying pathology of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is mechanical obliteration of the major pulmonary vessels, high pulsatile stress penetrating into the normal distal pulmonary microvasculature resulting from reduced pulmonary arterial compliance (CPA) may cause progressive deterioration in pulmonary hemodynamics. Hypothetically, balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) may be beneficial in reducing CPA and pulsatile stress in patients with CTEPH.

METHODS

In total, 26 patients with available pre- and post-BPA right heart catheterization results were included in the study. BPA was performed in a series of staged procedures by 2 experienced interventional cardiologists.

RESULTS

The median CPA showed a 59.2% increase (1.03 to 1.64 mL/mm Hg, p=0.005). The median pre-BPA pulsatile stress product decreased by 20.7% (4,266 to 3,380 mm Hg/min, p=0.003). A linear regression model established that the percent change in CPA after BPA accounted for 21.8% of the explained variability in the change in 6-minute walk test (p=0.009).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that BPA decreases CPA and pulmonary pulsatile stress. These changes may be partly responsible for the improvement in functional capacity after BPA.

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

ABSTRACT

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) remains significantly underdiagnosed in patients with a history of pulmonary embolism. These patients complain of persistent shortness of breath and present with hypoxemia despite proper anticoagulation. Further investigation reveals evidence of right ventricular dysfunction on echocardiogram, which progresses to right heart failure. CTEPH is associated with a significant increase in patient morbidity and mortality if left untreated. This article offers an approach for the timely recognition of this condition, in addition to suggesting a management protocol with an emphasis on the role of interventional radiology and balloon pulmonary angioplasty.

Topic-Based, Recent Literature Review on Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a complex condition but a relatively common manifestation of severe cardiopulmonary disease. By contrast, pulmonary arterial hypertension is uncommon and is more prevalent in young women. To better categorize patients and to guide clinical decision-making, 5 diagnostic groups and associated subgroups characterize the spectrum of disease. A multidisciplinary approach to evaluation and treatment is recommended by published guidelines and often entails referral to a designated pulmonary hypertension center. Several key publications during the last couple of years merit review. The PubMed database was searched for English-language studies and guidelines relating to pulmonary hypertension. The following terms were searched, alone and in combination: pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, portopulmonary hypertension, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. The focus was on those publications with new information on evaluation and management of pulmonary hypertension between January 1, 2019, and January 31, 2021. Of the subgroups, 2 were of particular interest for this review: portopulmonary hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Last, available data on the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and newer treatment agents in early trials were selectively reviewed. The review is therefore intended to serve as a practical, focused review of important topics germane to those clinicians caring for patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Temporal trends in right heart strain in patients undergoing pulmonary thromboendarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is a curative procedure for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Right ventricular free wall strain (RV FWS) and right atrial strain (RAS) are not well studied in a CTEPH population. We sought to determine temporal trends in RAS and RV FWS in patients post-PTE.

METHODS

28 patients undergoing PTE for CTEPH were prospectively enrolled in a surgical database. Comprehensive echocardiographic assessment of the right heart was performed including RV FWS, right atrial volume, and the three components of RAS: reservoir, conduit, and booster strain.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing PTE demonstrated improvement in NYHA functional class (P < 0.001). Hemodynamic assessment showed improvement in mean pulmonary artery pressure from 49.7 ± 8.5 mm Hg to 23.9 ± 6.5 mm Hg (P < 0.001) and pulmonary vascular resistance decreased from 7.8 ± 3.2 wu to 2.4 ± 1.3 wu (P < 0.001). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and lateral S` declined immediately post-op. RV FWS improved from -14.4 ± 4% to -19 ± 3.4% post-op and -21.2 ± 4.7% at long-term follow-up (P < 0.001). Improvement in RV FWS post-op was driven primarily by increases in the apical and mid segments. RA volume declined significantly during the study period. RA reservoir and conduit strain improved after PTE.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing PTE for CTEPH had significant improvement in right heart hemodynamics immediately post-op. Traditional echo metrics of RV performance including TAPSE and lateral S` did not improve. RV FWS improved, which was driven by changes in the apical and mid segments. This highlights that RV FWS is a viable and useful metric to follow in CTEPH patients post-PTE.

Evaluation and management of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension - consensus statement from the ISHLT

ISHLT members have recognized the importance of a consensus statement on the evaluation and management of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. The creation of this document required multiple steps, including the engagement of the ISHLT councils, approval by the Standards and Guidelines Committee, identification and selection of experts in the field, and the development of 6 working groups. Each working group provided a separate section based on an extensive literature search. These sections were then coalesced into a single document that was circulated to all members of the working groups. Key points were summarized at the end of each section. Due to the limited number of comparative trials in this field, the document was written as a literature review with expert opinion rather than based on level of evidence.

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: advances in patient and lesion selection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has been performed worldwide for patients who are ineligible for pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). However, the technical details of BPA have not been standardized, and no international consensus regarding patient and lesion selection for BPA has been reached. Evidence for the combination of BPA with PEA or medical therapy is also lacking. This review highlights recent progress in BPA in terms of patient and lesion selection and the current procedural approach for BPA, including combination treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

The indications for BPA have expanded with recent reports describing the improved safety and efficacy of BPA. Because lesions are generally present in all segmental and subsegmental pulmonary arteries, it is recommended to treat all the lesions to achieve desirable hemodynamic improvement. Selective pulmonary angiography is the gold standard for lesion selection in modern BPA aimed at total revascularization. Despite the lack of randomized controlled studies, combination treatment with BPA may be well tolerated and effective.

SUMMARY

BPA, alone or in combination with PEA or medical therapy, may be a treatment option for patients who are not candidates for monotreatment of PEA. However, further investigation is required to standardize patient and lesion selection for BPA.

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a form of pulmonary hypertension (PH) caused by thromboembolic disease with the secondary remodeling of the pulmonary vessels. The primary treatment of CTEPH is pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE). However, some patients are not candidates for PTE because of surgically inaccessible thrombi or high operative risk and can be candidates for balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA), an emerging, lower risk treatment. This review discusses the patient selection, the technique, and comprehensive review of reported outcomes following BPA. BPA techniques have improved over the years, and so has its safety profile. Recent data show that after several sessions of BPA, patients who were not eligible for PTE had improvement in their hemodynamic profile, functional capacity, and 6-minute walk distance. Studies have shown that compared to riociguat, BPA has shown significant improvement in the functional capacity and hemodynamic measurements. Reperfusion pulmonary edema is a common complication after PTE and BPA, which may be due to vessel injury rather than pulmonary extravasation. Rates of complications have decreased especially after the use of optical coherence tomography, which helps in proper sizing of the balloons. Patients with CTEPH who are ineligible for PTE should be evaluated for BPA. In addition to medical therapy, BPA has shown promising clinical and hemodynamic outcomes in patients with CTEPH.

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: JACC Focus Seminar

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is the result of pulmonary arterial obstruction by organized thrombotic material stemming from incompletely resolved acute pulmonary embolism. The exact incidence of CTEPH is unknown but appears to approximate 2.3% among survivors of acute pulmonary embolism. Although ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy has been supplanted by computed tomographic pulmonary angiography in the diagnostic approach to acute pulmonary embolism, it has a major role in the evaluation of patients with suspected CTEPH, the presence of mismatched segmental defects being consistent with the diagnosis. Diagnostic confirmation of CTEPH is provided by digital subtraction pulmonary angiography, preferably performed at a center familiar with the procedure and its interpretation. Operability assessment is then undertaken to determine if the patient is a candidate for potentially curative pulmonary endarterectomy surgery. When pulmonary endarterectomy is not an option, pulmonary arterial hypertension-targeted pharmacotherapy and balloon pulmonary angioplasty represent potential therapeutic alternatives.

Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty in Patients with Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: Impact on Clinical and Hemodynamic Parameters, Quality of Life and Risk Profile

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a novel treatment option for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) who are not eligible for pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) or suffer from persistent pulmonary hypertension after PEA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the real-life efficacy and safety of BPA in a consecutive group of patients who were diagnosed and treated in the national referral center for CTEPH in the Czech Republic. Here we report data from 160 BPA procedures performed in 64 patients. Efficacy analysis was performed in the subgroup of 25 patients who completed BPA series. Significant improvements were observed in New York Heart Association functional class (4% to 79% in I/II, p < 0.001), 6 min walking test distance (+54.3 m, p < 0.001), risk profile (15.8% to 68.5% with presence of 2/3 low risk criteria, p < 0.001), pulmonary artery mean pressure (−18%, p < 0.001), pulmonary vascular resistance (−32%, p < 0.001), stroke volume (+17%, p = 0.011) and quality of life (+37% in assessment of overall health status by a patient, p < 0.001). We observed 1 fatal periprocedural complication (1.6% of all 64 patients) and 19 BPA-related non-fatal complications (11.9% of all 160 interventions) that predominantly included hemoptysis (10.0% of all sessions). Overall survival at 12 months was 94.6%.

Evolving spectrum of treatment for CTEPH

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present review provides an update on treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), a rare form of pulmonary hypertension characterized by precapillary pulmonary hemodynamic parameters with chronic thrombotic occlusion of the pulmonary vasculature.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pulmonary thromboendarectomy (PTE) remains the recommended treatment for patients with surgically accessible disease. Recent data suggest that patients preoperatively bridged with medical therapy may have improved outcomes but further research is needed. Riociguat improves hemodynamics, right ventricular function, quality of life, and functional capacity and is the drug of choice for patients with inoperable/persistent disease. Recently published data suggest that endothelin receptor blockers and treprostinil may also have a role in medical management of this patient population. A growing body of evidence indicates that in experienced centers balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) may be a well tolerated and effective adjunct to pharmacological treatment for patients with inoperable disease affecting subsegmental vasculature.

SUMMARY

Untreated CTEPH carries significant morbidity and mortality. Recent publications provide a wealth of data on safety and efficacy of BPA for inoperable subsegmental disease, but its precise fit in the treatment algorithm, both pharmacological and procedural, requires further investigation. PTE remains the procedure of choice for surgically accessible disease.