Pulmonary Endarterectomy

Pulmonary Endarterectomy - What it is

Pulmonary endarterectomy (also known as PEA) is an open-heart surgery carried out for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The operation is conducted to remove blood clots from the pulmonary arteries in the lungs to allow regular blood flow.

The introduction of NHCS CTEPH programme, which started in 2016, is the first in Singapore to offer comprehensive treatment options for CTEPH patients, including pulmonary endarterectomy, balloon pulmonary angioplasty and medical therapy.

Pulmonary Endarterectomy - Symptoms

Pulmonary Endarterectomy - How to prevent?

Pulmonary Endarterectomy - Causes and Risk Factors

Pulmonary Endarterectomy - Diagnosis

Pulmonary Endarterectomy - Treatments

Pulmonary endarterectomy is a curative and complex surgery. It involves placing the patient on heart-lung bypass machine support that will take over the function of the heart and lungs, and to allow the doctors to carefully remove the clots from the lungs. The whole operation takes about seven to eight hours and is undertaken by specially trained doctors and support staff, working closely as a team.

Pulmonary Endarterectomy - Preparing for surgery

Please follow the below instructions to prepare for your PEA surgery:

Inform your doctor on your current medications as some medicines are unsuitable for consumption before a surgery. These include blood thinners, as well as traditional medications (which may contain blood thinners or steroids).
If you are a smoker, please refrain from smoking during this time period.
Provide your clinician with a list of your medical history, particularly for allergies.
You may need to undergo other medical examinations prior to the surgery. Some examples of the tests include:

ECG (electrocardiogram)
Blood tests
Chest x-ray
Urine sample

Pulmonary Endarterectomy - Post-surgery care

Patients who have undergone a PEA surgery will be warded for a week or two or as long as they are needed for observation. An electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor will continuously record the rhythm of the heart in the first few days after the surgery.
Physical therapy will slowly be introduced to strengthen the patient with light physical activities.
Patients who have duly recovered their strength and have stable conditions will be arranged for discharge
Follow-up appointments for regular check-ups will also be arranged at NHCS

Pulmonary Endarterectomy - Other Information

Overview

Updated on 2020-09-27T16:00:00Z
Article contributed by Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, National Heart Centre Singapore

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