Percutaneous paravalvular leak closure: chasing the chameleon

Eur Heart J. 2016 Dec 14;37(47):3495-3502. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw165. Epub 2016 May 8.

Abstract

Paravalvular leak (PVL) occurs after both surgical and transcatheter valve replacement/implantation. It can lead to haemolysis, heart failure and may increase the risk of endocarditis. Percutaneous closure has significantly less morbidity than re-operation and is therefore often the therapy of choice. Percutaneous PVL closure can make an important difference for patients and can improve patient prognosis. These procedures can be intricate and larger case series and research is needed to further develop and improve these procedures.

Keywords: Paravalvular leak; Percutaneous closure; Valvular heart disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Heart Failure
  • Heart Valve Diseases*
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation
  • Humans
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Reoperation