treatment
Paravalvular Leak Closure
Occasional patients with a past history of heart valve replacement will develop a leak around the valve. This can cause symptoms such as breathlessness and leg swelling as well as a form of anaemia. Closing the leak with a minimally invasive procedure can improve symptoms and prognosis.
What is Paravalvular leak closure?
Typically, paravalvular leak closure will be performed for leaks around either prosthetic aortic or mitral valves. There are various techniques and methods used to close a leak but all eventually involve placing a plug or umbrella like device across the leak to close it. The procedure is minimally invasive but generally does require a general anaesthetic and advanced imaging with TOE. Prior to the procedure, TOE and/or structural heart disease CT are generally required.
Why would you need paravalvular leak closure?
You will most likely have had symptoms such as breathlessness and/or leg swelling developing several years after a heart valve replacement operation. Alternatively, your GP or other specialist may have diagnosed haemolytic anaemia. Investigations such as an Echo will have demonstrated a leak around the outside of the implanted heart valve. Closing the leak will improve symptoms and long term prognosis without the need for major heart surgery.
