Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Overseen By Lyda Lesenko, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Jewish General Hospital

Must not be taking: Ace inhibitors, Arbs

Disqualifiers: Patent foramen ovale

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 4 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 1 day

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the effectiveness of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) for individuals with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). CTEPH occurs when blood clots in the lungs become lodged and narrow the arteries. BPA helps open these narrowed arteries. The trial aims to assess the improvement in the tiny blood vessels in the lungs after BPA. Individuals with CTEPH who qualify for BPA and are not on certain blood pressure medications may be suitable candidates for this study. As an unphased trial, it offers patients the chance to contribute to understanding and enhancing treatment options for CTEPH.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

You must stop taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers to participate in this trial.

What prior data suggests that Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty is safe for treating chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension?

Research shows that balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a safe treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Studies have found that BPA improves blood flow in the lungs and is generally well-tolerated by patients. Reports from multiple centers and combined studies indicate that most patients experience significant improvements without major issues. While mild side effects might occur, serious problems are rare. Overall, BPA has a strong safety record for people with this condition. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional treatments for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), which often include anticoagulant medications or surgery like pulmonary endarterectomy, Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty (BPA) offers a less invasive option. BPA works by inserting and inflating a small balloon within the blood vessels of the lungs to clear blockages, improving blood flow and reducing pressure. Researchers are excited about BPA because it provides an alternative for patients who are not candidates for surgery, potentially improving symptoms and quality of life without the risks associated with more invasive procedures.

What evidence suggests that balloon pulmonary angioplasty is effective for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension?

Studies have shown that balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA), which participants in this trial will undergo, can effectively treat chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Research indicates that BPA significantly lowers resistance in the lung's blood vessels, improving blood flow. The procedure physically opens narrowed arteries, enhancing oxygen exchange. Experienced centers report a higher success rate in reducing this resistance, leading to better patient outcomes. Furthermore, BPA has been linked to both immediate and long-term symptom improvements for people with CTEPH. ^{4 5 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension who are candidates for a procedure called balloon pulmonary angioplasty. People taking certain blood pressure medications or those with a heart condition known as patent foramen ovale cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I am eligible for a procedure to open lung blood vessels due to chronic blood clots.

Exclusion Criteria

I am taking medication for high blood pressure.

I have a hole in my heart that didn't close after birth.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) to open narrow pulmonary arteries

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in functional capillary surface area and hemodynamic parameters post-BPA

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty
• Measurement of pulmonary functional capillary surface area

Trial Overview The study aims to measure the recovery of functional capillary surface area in the lungs of patients undergoing balloon pulmonary angioplasty, which is a treatment to widen narrowed arteries caused by chronic blood clots.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Pre and post BPA Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada, Japan for the following indications:

Approved in United States as BPA for:

• Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)

Approved in European Union as BPA for:

• Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)

Approved in Canada as BPA for:

• Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)

Approved in Japan as BPA for:

• Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Jewish General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

144

Recruited

283,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) significantly improved hemodynamics in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), with mean pulmonary arterial pressure decreasing from 40 mm Hg to 29 mm Hg and pulmonary vascular resistance dropping from 5.5 Wood units to 3.3 Wood units, indicating enhanced blood flow and reduced strain on the heart.

The procedure also led to improved functional outcomes, with 61.3% of patients experiencing better New York Heart Association functional class and a notable increase in the 6-minute walk test distance from 402 m to 439 m, demonstrating enhanced exercise capacity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: Initial Single-Center Experience. Anand, V., Frantz, RP., DuBrock, H., et al.[2022]

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has become a recognized treatment option for patients with inoperable or residual chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, indicating its growing acceptance in clinical practice since its introduction in 2001.

The review highlights the evolving safety and efficacy profile of BPA, supported by evidence from various pulmonary hypertension centers worldwide, suggesting that BPA plays a significant role in managing chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evolving Role and Clinical Evidence in the Global Practice of Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty. Jain, N., Perkins, S., Maligireddy, AR., et al.[2023]

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) shows promising results for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) who are not suitable for the gold-standard treatment, pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), and may lead to better symptomatic and hemodynamic improvements compared to medical therapy alone.

Recent data from a CTEPH European registry indicate that survival rates for CTEPH patients have significantly improved, suggesting that BPA could play a crucial role in enhancing outcomes for those with limited treatment options.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Update on balloon pulmonary angioplasty for treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Lang, IM.[2022]

The refined balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) procedure significantly improved the clinical status and hemodynamics of 68 patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, reducing mean pulmonary arterial pressure from 45.4 mm Hg to 24.0 mm Hg (P<0.01).

Despite some patients experiencing reperfusion pulmonary injury (60%), the overall mortality rate was low, with only two deaths reported during a follow-up period of 2.2 years, suggesting that the refined BPA procedure is a safe and effective treatment option.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Refined balloon pulmonary angioplasty for inoperable patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Mizoguchi, H., Ogawa, A., Munemasa, M., et al.[2022]

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) significantly reduced mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) from 38±11 mm Hg to 20±4 mm Hg in 60 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), indicating its efficacy as a treatment option.

Improvements in ECG findings related to right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) were observed after BPA, with specific ECG changes correlating with better functional status at 6 months follow-up.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improvement in the electrocardiograms associated with right ventricular hypertrophy after balloon pulmonary angioplasty in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Nishiyama, T., Takatsuki, S., Kawakami, T., et al.[2022]

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) significantly improved hemodynamic parameters in patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), with reductions in systolic pulmonary artery pressure by 27.3% and mean pulmonary artery pressure by 26% after treatment.

BPA also led to substantial clinical improvements, including a 39% increase in the 6-minute walk distance and a 62% decrease in BNP levels, with 60% of patients improving to functional class I and 40% to class II, demonstrating its efficacy and safety as a treatment option.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Danilov, NM., Matchin, YG., Chernyavsky, AM., et al.[2019]

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) significantly improved patient outcomes in 38 individuals with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) after six months, including better functional class and increased walking distance.

The procedure was found to be safe, with only 12% of the 172 BPA procedures resulting in non-severe complications, indicating that BPA can be a viable treatment option for patients who cannot undergo surgery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety and efficacy of balloon pulmonary angioplasty in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in the Netherlands. van Thor, MCJ., Lely, RJ., Braams, NJ., et al.[2020]

In a study of 140 patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) who underwent balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA), complications were common but did not lead to worse outcomes, indicating that BPA can be a safe option in expert centers.

The complication rate during BPA decreased from 21% to 14% over five years, suggesting improvements in technique or patient management, while a high baseline pulmonary vascular resistance was linked to a higher complication rate.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Complications of balloon pulmonary angioplasty for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: Impact on the outcome. Wiedenroth, CB., Deissner, H., Adameit, MSD., et al.[2022]

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) significantly improved patients' functional status and hemodynamics in a study of 56 patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), showing a decrease in mean pulmonary artery pressure by 18% and an increase in 6-minute walk distance by an average of 33 meters.

Despite these benefits, BPA was associated with a notable risk of complications, including a 1.8% mortality rate due to pulmonary bleeding, highlighting the need for further randomized controlled trials to evaluate the long-term safety and survival benefits of this treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for inoperable patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: the initial German experience. Olsson, KM., Wiedenroth, CB., Kamp, JC., et al.[2022]

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) significantly improved hemodynamic parameters in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, with mean pulmonary arterial pressure decreasing from 43.2 mm Hg to 24.3 mm Hg after the procedure.

Despite a high complication rate of 36.3%, BPA demonstrated a 1-year survival rate of 96.8%, suggesting it is a viable alternative therapy for patients who cannot undergo pulmonary endarterectomy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: Results of a Multicenter Registry. Ogawa, A., Satoh, T., Fukuda, T., et al.[2022]

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) significantly reduced mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), with improvements observed in the six-minute walking test after a median follow-up of 5.9 months.

The procedure had a low complication rate of 6.4% and a high overall survival rate of 92.4% over three years, indicating that BPA is a safe and effective treatment option for CTEPH patients in Poland.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a multicentre registry. Darocha, S., Roik, M., Kopeć, G., et al.[2023]

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) using intravascular imaging was performed on eight patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), achieving a success rate of 88% and significant improvements in pulmonary artery pressure and vascular resistance.

After four weeks, patients showed notable clinical improvements, including enhanced functional capacity and increased walking distance, indicating that BPA is a safe and effective treatment option for CTEPH.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension]. Sepúlveda, P., Ortega, J., Armijo, G., et al.[2019]

Elderly patients (average age 77.2 years) with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) who are candidates for balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) have a significantly higher risk of severe obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), with 54.5% diagnosed compared to only 16.7% in matched acute pulmonary embolism survivors.

Due to this increased risk, it is recommended that all elderly CTEPH patients referred for BPA undergo routine invasive coronary angiography to assess their coronary health before proceeding with the treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

High prevalence of severe coronary artery disease in elderly patients with non-operable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension referred for balloon pulmonary angioplasty. Roik, M., Wretowski, D., Kostrubiec, M., et al.[2020]

Citations

1. jacc.org jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.04.021

Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Chronic ... Centers with more experience providing BPAs were more likely to achieve a higher percentage decrease in PVR. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary ...

2. ahajournals.org ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001197

Status and Future Directions for Balloon Pulmonary ... Speckle tracking for predicting outcomes of balloon pulmonary angioplasty in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11219285/

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for chronic thromboembolic ... In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and long‐term outcomes of BPA in patients with CTEPD without PH. We retrospectively ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S277237472400214X

Outcomes of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary ... This study aimed to clarify the characteristics and outcomes of CTEPH patients treated with BPA and PEA in Japan.

5. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/29/2659/7226721

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for chronic thromboembolic ... Immediate and long-term effect of balloon pulmonary angioplasty for the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.1 The ...

6. ahajournals.org ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circoutcomes.117.004029

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for chronic thromboembolic ... The present study evaluated the safety and efficacy of BPA for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension based on a multicenter registry.

7. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36474104/

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Conclusion: BPA represents a safe and effective treatment option for select individuals with CTEPH with significant improvements in hemodynamic parameters ...

8. jacc.org jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2024.09.880

TCT-735 Clinical Outcomes of Balloon Pulmonary ... Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a recognized effective and safe therapy for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH)