Percutaneous closure of prosthetic paravalvular leaks

Abstract

Paravalvular leaks (PVLs) are relatively common after valve replacement. These leaks are usually small and disappear during the follow-up. Symptomatic PVLs occur in 1% to 2% of patients undergoing valve replacement. PVLs causing clinical consequences require surgical intervention. Surgery is considered the gold standard of dehiscence repair. In recent years, the use of percutaneous closure devices for closing PVLs has been proposed as an alternative to surgery. Such techniques are less invasive and can be used in most high-risk patients instead of performing repeat surgery. This article describes how to assess the leak as well as the technical aspects of the procedure. © 2012 MedReviews®, LLC.