Dedicated team of CTEPH experts .
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension ( CTEPH ) is a rare form of pulmonary hypertension ( PH ), or high blood pressure in the lungs . It occurs when pulmonary embolisms ( PE ), or blood clots in the lung , block blood vessels in the lung for an extended period of time .
Allegheny Health Network ( AHN ) Cardiovascular Institute is among an elite group of medical programs in the country – one of few programs in PA doing both PTE Surgery and BPA for CTEPH at AGH – with the expertise to perform two highly advanced surgical procedures to treat , and often cure , CTEPH .
Our board-certified physicians in cardiology , pulmonary medicine , rheumatology , cardiothoracic surgery , and palliative care work with PH specialists to provide you with all-inclusive care . A dedicated nurse navigator guides you throughout the diagnosis and treatment process .
A passion for cardiac surgery and collaboration .
Dr . Candice Lee fell in love with cardiac surgery as a medical student at Drexel University while doing her first rotation at Allegheny General Hospital .
“ It was seeing the heart move ,” she said . “ Everything was so dynamic . After a bypass surgery , you can see the heart beating stronger immediately .”
Today she performs highly specialized treatments , including pulmonary thromboendarterectomy ( PTE ), heart transplantation , and mechanical circulatory support .
But cardiac surgery is not all she ’ s passionate about . “ As part of a big institution , there is ongoing collaboration and weekly meetings among disciplines ,” she said . “ This leads to stronger research , programs , and patient care . We can be more comprehensive in our screenings and work together to get to the right diagnosis , and cure , faster .”
Dr . Lee rotates between Allegheny General Hospital and Forbes Hospital .
CANDICE LEE , MD THORACIC AND CARDIAC SURGERY
AHN . ORG / HEART