Management of recurrent paravalvular leakage in a very high-risk patient: a case report

Interventional device closure has emerged as a less invasive alternative to surgery in the management of paravalvular leakage. However, this procedure involves various problems such as a high probability of residual leakage or hemolysis. Here, we report a case of residual paravalvular leakage despite two attempts at interventional closure in a patient with a history of four previous mitral valve replacements. The fifth operation for the primary repair of paravalvular leakage was performed successfully. Careful evaluation before the procedure and specially designed devices are essential for the interventional treatment of paravalvular leakage. Surgery can be performed adequately in the management of paravalvular leakage even in high-risk patients.