Pulmonary Hypertension and Thoracic Surgery: Impact and Treatment Options

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this paper is to review updates to the definition of pulmonary hypertension (PH), its diagnosis, and management. New treatment options, the role of mechanical support, outcome studies, and intraoperative management will be emphasized.Recent FindingsThe definition of PH has been recently changed, with a decrease in the qualifying mean pulmonary artery pressure and the addition of pulmonary vascular resistance. There have been minor changes to PH classifications. Some new medications are available to treat PH, and new associations between drugs and PH have been discovered. Recommended intraoperative management strategies are included. Updated outcome studies are discussed, as well as the potential role of mechanical devices for managing PH patients during or after thoracic surgery.SummaryPulmonary hypertension (PH) comprises a complex group of pathologies that can be difficult to identify and care for perioperatively. Caring for patients with PH requires cardiovascular management expertise, familiarity with medicines used to treat PH, and the ability to accurately interpret diagnostic data and hemodynamic monitors.
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research