Background and aim of the study: Significant paravalvular leaks may complicate mitral valve replacement (MVR), especially in the setting of mitral annular calcification. Correction has been accomplished postoperatively by endovascular delivery of Amplatzer plugs (Abbott Medical) with good results. Intraoperative delivery of Amplatzer plugs at the index operation may reduce postoperative paravalvular leaks.
Methods: A retrospective review of eight patients who underwent placement of Amplatzer plugs for treatment of paravalvular leak during MVR at a single institution is reported.
Results: Seven patients had ≤1+ residual mitral valve insufficiency and one patient had 1-2+ residual mitral valve insufficiency intraoperatively by transesophageal echocardiogram. At 222 days average follow-up, echocardiogram revealed ≤ 1+ residual mitral valve insufficiency in all surviving patients.
Conclusion: Intraoperative delivery of Amplatzer plugs for treatment of paravalvular leaks during MVR appears to be safe and effective at reducing postoperative mitral valve insufficiency.
Keywords: Amplatzer vascular plug; mitral annular calcification; paravalvular leak; valve repair/replacement.
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