In designing the study questions and methodology at the outset of this report, the EPC consulted several technical and content experts. Broad expertise and perspectives were sought. Divergent and conflicted opinions are common and perceived as healthy scientific discourse that results in a thoughtful, relevant systematic review. Therefore, in the end, study questions, design, methodologic approaches, and/or conclusions do not necessarily represent the views of individual technical and content experts.

Technical Experts must disclose any financial conflicts of interest greater than $10,000 and any other relevant business or professional conflicts of interest. Because of their unique clinical or content expertise, individuals with potential conflicts may be retained. The TOO and the EPC work to balance, manage, or mitigate any potential conflicts of interest identified.

The list of Technical Experts who participated in developing this report follows:

• James Klinger, M.D.
  Associate Professor of Medicine
  Brown University
  Providence, RI
• Jonathan R. Lindner, M.D.
  Cardiology
  Oregon Health & Science University
  Portland, OR
• Vallerie V. McLaughlin, M.D.
  Director, Pulmonary Hypertension Program
  University of Michigan
  Ann Arbor, MI
• Stuart Rich, M.D.
  Clinical Professor of Medicine
  University of Chicago Medicine
  Chicago, IL
• Lewis J. Rubin, M.D.
  Critical Care Medicine
  University of California, San Diego
  La Jolla, CA
• Nelson B. Schiller, M.D.
  Professor in Residence, Department of Medicine (Cardiology)
  University of California, San Francisco
  San Francisco, CA
• Rubin Tuder, M.D.
  Director, Program in Translational Lung Research
  University of Colorado, Denver
  Denver, CO
• C. Michael White, Pharm.D.
  Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacy Practice
  University of Connecticut
  Storrs, CT