Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare but serious condition. It's the result of pulmonary embolisms - or blockages in arteries of the lungs - that harden over time instead of resolving normally.

Some people suffer from CTEPH due to genetic defects that predispose them to blood clotting. In time, these hardened clots set up a dangerous series of events - including raising pressure in the lungs and changing the lungs’ vascular system.
University Hospitals is one of only a few healthcare centers across the nation with the expertise to offer the treatment of choice: pulmonary endarterectomy.

Pulmonary endarterectomy is a complex surgery only performed by highly skilled surgical teams. During the procedure, pulmonary surgeons partner with cardiothoracic surgeons and other surgical experts to remove the blood clot or blood clots. This relieves any pulmonary hypertension and vascular resistance. It can cure some patients.

Expert Diagnosis of CTEPH

Getting the best treatment for CTEPH is vital to a patient’s health and well-being. But first, it’s essential to get an accurate diagnosis.

CTEPH symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. They include breathlessness, tiredness and exercise intolerance that gradually increase over months or years. Some patients don’t even have a history of blood clots.

These factors make it difficult to accurately diagnose CTEPH, especially if it’s early in the disease process. Fortunately, the deep expertise of University Hospitals’ pulmonary team can help ensure the right diagnosis quickly, improving your chance for positive outcomes.

Learn More about Innovative CTEPH Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) or have concerns about your lung health, come see one of our pulmonologists at University Hospitals. We have a range of convenient locations available.