The collection of haemodynamic data such as PAP, PVR, and cardiac output (CO) through right heart catheterisation during the process of pulmonary arteriography is useful in the final determination of the feasibility of surgery.

Generally, patients with no other life threatening illnesses and with obstructions of the central pulmonary arteries resulting in a PVR greater than 300 dynes/s/cm5 are good candidates for PTE, although various centres employ variations of these selection criteria.

Daily PO. Chronic pulmonary embolism. Advances in Cardiac Surgery 1993; 4:25-46.

Daily PO, Auger WR. Historical perspective: surgery for chronic thromboembolic disease. Seminars in Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery 1999; 11:143-51.

Long J, Cohenca N, Rivera-Camilon MS. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy: clinical profile, surgical treatment. AORN Journal 1994; 59:801-4.