Introduction:

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is the main therapeutic tool for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), and is potentially curative. The experience of 13 years of PTEs on Uruguayan patients under the agreement with the University Hospital Fundación Favaloro (HUFF-Argentina) is analyzed.

Methodology:

Analytical, observational, and retrospective study of all PTEs performed between 2011 and 2023.

Results:

Fifteen PTEs were performed. Age was 46 ± 17 years, 67% male. Ten patients had a history of prior thromboembolic disease, and 8 had hypercoagulability. The time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 36 (22-78) months. Eighty percent were in NYHA Functional Class III, with a total distance walked in the 6-minute walk test of 375 (272-458) meters, echocardiographic severity (TAPSE/sPAP 0,22 ± 0,08 mm/mmHg), and hemodynamic severity (PVR 11 ± 5 WU) which significantly improved in the early postoperative period. In-hospital mortality was 20% and remained at a follow-up of 34 (7-97) months, except for one patient who died from a new pulmonary embolism at 3 years. All deceased patients had significantly more severe preoperative hemodynamics (PVR 19 ± 6 WU, cardiac index 1,5 ± 0,4 L/min/m²). Six survivors (50%) presented with residual PH associated with higher preoperative mPAP and PVR and lower short-term functional and echocardiographic recovery (P <0,05), two of whom received specific therapy post-procedure.

Conclusions:

PTE resulted in clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic improvement. Six survivors (50%) normalized resting hemodynamics. Preoperative hemodynamic severity due to distal obstructive lesions and microangiopathy was associated with a high rate of perioperative complications and mortality. Reducing the delay in diagnosis and treatment and a higher rate of PTEs/year could reduce complications and improve prognosis.

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