Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement
Published on: December 11, 2017
Recurrence of Prosthetic Aortic Valve Endocarditis After Percutaneous Mechanical Aspiration
Sampada Kuwar1, Raja Saravanan2, Kubiat Udoh1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Baton Rouge General Medical Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Background:
Prosthetic valve endocarditis is a dreaded complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement, especially in older patients with multiple comorbidities, who are poor surgical candidates. We describe a case of prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis in a patient who underwent percutaneous mechanical aspiration (PMA) and its sequelae over the following year.
Case Summary:
The patient presented with fever and chills after flu and respiratory syncytial virus vaccines and was found to have positive blood cultures for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and bioprosthetic aortic valve endocarditis. He was a poor surgical candidate and underwent PMA with an AngioVac device with the development of a perivalvular abscess and pericardial effusion on subsequent admissions.
Discussion:
PMA is increasingly being used for the treatment of endocarditis, especially right sided, but there is limited evidence on its use in left-sided endocarditis due to high risk of complications.
Take-Home Message:
There is a high risk of complications with PMA in left-sided endocarditis, but it can be used as salvage therapy in poor surgical candidates.
Insights
Prosthetic valve endocarditis is a serious complication. Percutaneous mechanical aspiration (PMA) may be a salvage therapy for high-risk patients, though left-sided cases carry significant risks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a severe complication following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
- Older patients with comorbidities are particularly vulnerable and often poor surgical candidates.
- This case highlights the challenges of PVE in a complex patient population.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

