Percutaneous paravalvular leak closure- imaging, techniques and outcomes.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a complication of valve replacement.
• Surgical PVL repair has high risks and lower success rates.
• Percutaneous PVL closure is an emerging alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review imaging and procedural techniques for percutaneous PVL closure.
• To present data supporting percutaneous PVL closure as a treatment strategy.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of existing literature.
• Emphasis on multimodality imaging for diagnosis and guidance.
• Focus on percutaneous closure techniques in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Main Results:

• Several large series of percutaneous PVL closure have been published.
• Encouraging results reported for procedural success.
• Positive clinical outcomes demonstrated for percutaneous PVL closure.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous PVL closure is a viable and effective treatment option.
• Multimodality imaging is crucial for successful PVL closure.
• This approach offers improved outcomes compared to repeat surgery.