The management of paravalvular leaks post aortic valve replacement.

Abstract

Paravalvular leak (PVL) is uncommon but can lead to severe complications after surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Clinical complications such as heart failure, haemolysis and infective endocarditis can be catastrophic results if not treated in promptly. It is, therefore, vital that PVLs are diagnosed early using various imaging modalities. Different approaches have been studies in managing PVL’s; of late, there is an increased interest in the use of minimally invasive procedures such as the transcatheter aortic valve closure procedure due to the decreased occurrence of further operations. This review discusses the classification of PVLs, diagnostic approaches and the available management options.

What is old is new again: Making sense of aortic paravalvular leaks – Silent but deadly

“…In this edition of the Journal, Kananathan and colleagues review the incidence of PVLs and the diagnostic studies and treatments available to today's clinicians. 1 The reported frequency of paravalvular regurgitation following aortic valve replacement varies widely across procedures and series.…”

“…The focus on PVL has sharpened as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has rapidly expanded, and new questions have been raised regarding the clinical importance of PVL and the need for detection and intervention. In this edition of the Journal, Kananathan and colleagues review the incidence of PVLs and the diagnostic studies and treatments available to today's clinicians 1 …”