After each such period, the blood is recirculated through the body for 10 minutes. To perform the operation, three to five bloodless periods are necessary, for a total time of 30 to 50 minutes. One of the keys to the operation's success, said Bavaria, is finding a plane between the chronic organized thrombus and the endothelial layer. You must not go too shallow, but going too deep can result in pulmonary artery disruption. Postoperative recovery for most uncomplicated cases, according to Bavaria, normally requires two to three weeks in the hospital.
Postoperative complications can include reperfusion injury to the lung and pulmonary vasospasm.
Continuous infusion of prostaglandin is used to minimize the reperfusion injury and inhaled NO may be given to prevent vasospasm. Results from the surgery can be dramatic. The operation was successful and within two months the patient returned to work as a roofer, a trade he continues today. One of Palevsky's patients, who previously was virtually wheelchair bound, is now skiing. To Read More . . .