Recurrence of Prosthetic Aortic Valve Endocarditis After Percutaneous Mechanical Aspiration
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Updated: May 9, 2026

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Published on: December 11, 2017
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.
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