CHRONIC THROMBOEMBOLIC PULMONARY-HYPERTENSION

Chronic, major-vessel thromboembolic disease represents a potentially correctable form of pulmonary hypertension. A thorough understanding o f the unique problems associated with each aspect of care in these pat ients is essential to ensure a minimal perioperative mortality and sat isfactory long-term outcome. This article reviews the cause, natural h istory, evaluation, surgical management, and postoperative course of p atients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension undergoing thromboendarterectomy.