Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: emerging endovascular therapy.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a debilitating but potentially reversible complication of chronic pulmonary thromboembolic disease characterized by progressive right heart dysfunction secondary to pulmonary arterial stenosis or occlusion. Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has recently emerged as an alternative intervention for non-surgical candidates with CTEPH. Modern reperfusion angioplasty techniques relieve sequela of chronic pulmonary hypertension, ameliorate right ventricular failure, and improve functional status. This article will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of patients with CTEPH and the current state of endovascular management with BPA.