Anesthetic management of patients with pulmonary hypertension

Advances in the treatment of patients with chronic pulmonary hypertension have greatly improved their functional status and longevity, and increasing numbers of these complex patients are presenting for elective noncardiac surgery. In this communication we will briefly review the classification and pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension, summarize outpatient pharmacotherapy approaches, and discuss the perioperative preparation and management of these complex patients. With an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of the disease and pharmacology of these new therapies, combined with careful perioperative planning and care, these patients can safely undergo elective surgical procedures.