Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty (BPA) Success Score: Explanation and Clinical Context Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty (BPA) is an interventional therapy for patients with inoperable or residual chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The BPA Success Score estimates the likelihood of achieving hemodynamic normalization (mean pulmonary artery pressure < 25 mmHg) following a series of BPA sessions.
The score integrates key pre-procedural variables — mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), functional capacity (6-minute walk distance), WHO functional class, and NT-proBNP levels. Lower baseline mPAP and PVR, preserved exercise capacity, lower WHO functional class, and low NT-proBNP concentrations are all associated with favorable outcomes.
Clinically, the BPA Success Score can assist physicians in counseling patients regarding procedural prognosis, procedural planning, and prioritizing high-yield candidates for BPA. However, it should complement — not replace — clinical judgment and multidisciplinary assessment.
Reference:
Inami T, Kataoka M, Yanagisawa R, et al. Hemodynamic predictors of successful balloon pulmonary angioplasty in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Eur Heart J. 2021;42(42):4421–4432. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehab593