Retrospective investigation of pulmonary resection in patients with high total pulmonary vascular resistance during preoperative unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications for pulmonary resection (lobectomy) in patients with increased total pulmonary vascular resistance (TPVR) during a preoperative unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion (UPAO) test. According to our previous report, the feasibility of performing lobectomy in patients with a high risk of cardiopulmonary complications is determined on the basis of the increase in TPVR after 15 min of obstruction during the UPAO test (occluded TPVR).

Methods: A total of 19 high-risk [occluded TPVR > or =700 dynes/s/cm(-5)/m(2) (dynes)] patients who underwent lobectomy or pneumonectomy were studied and a detailed analysis of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications was performed.