Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty (BPA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pulmonary hypertension, particularly a type called CTEPH (chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension), where blood clots block the pulmonary arteries.
Here's how it works:
- A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through a vein in Show Full Answer
Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty (BPA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pulmonary hypertension, particularly a type called CTEPH (chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension), where blood clots block the pulmonary arteries.
Here's how it works:
- A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through a vein in the thigh
- The catheter is guided up to the blocked pulmonary arteries
- A small balloon on the catheter is inflated, pushing the clot to the artery walls
- This opens a pathway to restore blood flow
- The balloon is then deflated and removed BPA is typically recommended when:
- A person with CTEPH is not eligible for a more intensive surgery called Pulmonary Endarterectomy (PEA)
- Someone has already had PEA but continues to experience symptoms
BPA can improve symptoms, and people tend to benefit most from multiple follow-up procedures. However, since it's a newer treatment, its long-term effects on survival are still being studied.
As with any procedure, there are risks involved, so it's worth having a detailed conversation with a specialist to understand if BPA is the right option.
May 29
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