Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty (BPA) and Rehabilitation for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)

Abstract

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) has a poor prognosis because of increased pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) causing pulmonary hypertension and 
progressive right-sided heart failure.1,2 Typical symptoms are dyspnea on exertion, fatigability, 
and reduced quality of life.3
 Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has been reported to improve hemodynamics and functional capacity in patients with CTEPH who are not candidates 
for pulmonary endarterectomy.4,5 However, the effect of BPA on respiratory function in patients 
with CTEPH is unclear.