Reoperative Pulmonary Endarterectomy: Past Failures of Patient Selection Can Assist in Future Practice of Informed Consent

The Pavia group reports their experience with reoperative pulmonary endarterectomy for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. They achieved impressive results in terms of hemodynamic parameters and functional status; however, a mortality rate of 40% represents inappropriate patient selection. Recommendations are made for identifying ideal operative candidates.