Pulmonary endarterectomy (normally shortened to PEA) is an operation to remove old blood clots from the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. Only a small proportion of people with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have blockages caused by blood clots. Some people with PH may have blockages that are not suitable for pulmonary endarterectomy.
If your PH team think you may be suitable for pulmonary endarterectomy, you will need further tests. Some of these tests may be carried out at your local hospital or at your specialist centre. You may need to go to Papworth Hospital (near Cambridge). This is a centre that specialises in pulmonary endarterectomy, and is the only hospital where pulmonary endarterectomy is done in the UK.
For some people with PH, pulmonary endarterectomy may be a cure. This is because it can restore almost normal blood flow to the lungs.
Pulmonary endarterectomy is a major operation involving a ‘heart-lung bypass’ machine. The surgeon opens the pulmonary arteries and removes the artery lining to clear the obstructions. People with PH who are due to have a pulmonary endarterectomy will sometimes need to take PH drug therapy to prepare them for the operation.
All people who have had pulmonary endarterectomy surgery will need to take warfarin for the rest of their lives. This is to prevent the blood clots coming back.
Pulmonary endarterectomy is a high-risk operation. If pulmonary endarterectomy is successful it can lead to a substantial improvement in symptoms and life expectancy. About 96% of people survive the operation.
Many people are often returned to a normal life expectancy and quality of life following pulmonary endarterectomy. However, some people may have some residual PH that will still need life-long treatment with targeted therapy.
Shelly Rouney had her pulmonary endarterectomy filmed by the BBC for ‘Surgeons: At The Edge of Life’ and it was shown on primetime television in October 2020.
David Whittington underwent pulmonary endarterectomy surgery in November 2020 and said he felt much more relaxed once the decision was made.
Izzy Scott had her operation in August 2020 after a long and frustrating journey to diagnosis.
Stephen Thompson underwent surgery in September 2019 and is now able to enjoy outdoor exercise again.
Richard Kitchener works as a gardener and had no doubts when he was offered his surgery.
Adam Kupiec received vital support from his family during the lead-up to his pulmonary endarterectomy.
Chitra Tripathi went on to become a beauty queen and fitness enthusiast following her surgery.
Elizabeth Cullen underwent her pulmonary endarterectomy in 2007 and was able to return to her job as a police officer.
