Analysis of Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Thrombosis-Implications and Management Strategies

Aortic valve disease is a common condition whose prevalence is increasing, especially in Western countries. Two main families of cardiac prostheses are available: mechanical and biological prostheses. Nevertheless, the use of mechanical surgical valves has declined significantly over time in favor of bioprosthetic surgical valves even among middle-aged patients. The dominance of bioprosthetic valves was enhanced further with the introduction of transcatheter aortic valves. However, some concerns have arisen in recent years about clinical and subclinical leaflet thrombosis of both surgical and transcatheter bioprostheses. This manuscript aims to discuss the current evidence relating to the incidence, pathophysiology, clinical implications, and management strategies of biological valve leaflet thrombosis.