Review of Prosthetic Paravalvular Leaks: Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Purpose of review: Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a relatively uncommon complication associated with prosthetic valve implantation. PVL can occasionally lead to serious adverse consequences such as congestive heart failure, infective endocarditis, and hemolytic anemia. Surgical re-operation carries a high mortality risk.

Recent findings: Transcatheter closure therapy provides a viable alternative for the treatment of this disorder with reasonable procedural and clinical success. The recent advent of hybrid imaging modalities has increased procedural success. This article summarizes the pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment modalities surroundings prosthetic paravalvular leak.

Keywords: Congestive heart failure; Hemolytic anemia; Paravalvular leak; Percutaneous closure,; Plug; Valvular prosthesis.