Introducing the use of AngioVac in nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis: a systematic review

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) involves vegetations on heart valves without active bloodstream infection. The AngioVac device, a vacuum-based aspiration system commonly used for infective endocarditis, has potential in managing NBTE, particularly in patients unsuitable for surgery. This study systematically reviews the literature to evaluate AngioVac's effectiveness in reducing vegetations in NBTE.

A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases through February 2024. Primary outcome was procedural success, defined as a ≥ 50% reduction in vegetation size on transesophageal echocardiogram. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, hospital stay length, and procedural complications.

Out of 38 identified articles, 4 case reports met inclusion criteria. Patients were male with a median age of 60 years, and NBTE was associated with conditions such as lung adenocarcinoma, end-stage renal disease, and antiphospholipid syndrome. The mitral valve was the most commonly affected site. AngioVac achieved 100% procedural success, with no complications or in-hospital mortality. The average hospital stay was 2 days. Follow-up revealed one patient alive at 2 months, one deceased at 3 months and no data for two patients.

AngioVac is a promising tool for safely reducing vegetations in NBTE, especially for high-risk surgical candidates.The study design and protocol are registered with PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number CRD42024505295).