Ask a Texas Heart Institute Doctor
Informed patients make better patients.
Question:
Are there reliable, safe, minimally invasive repairs available for paravalvular leak?
In Oct 2012, I had a second surgery to repair an aortic thoracic aneurysm and also a second aortic valve replacement. To make a long story short, I ended up with an aortic paravalvular leak which in turn caused congestive heart failure and some other related issues. (Leak is described as being from 1:30 to 6:30).
I have been managing this condition with medication. My question is: Do you know of any reliable, safe, minimally invasive repair procedures being performed any where in this country that could correct this? Are there any medical devices capable of plugging this leak either being researched or available at the present that are approved by the FDA? I would like to get this repaired, but I don't want to rush into anything or do anything foolish. Thank you.
submitted by Anthony from Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey on 9/12/2014
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Neil E. Strickman, MD
Though not time tested, paravalvular leaks have been successfully closed by the insertion of >1 Amplatz plugs (typically used to treat ASD/PFO congenital heart defects).
See also on this site:
Has your question or a similar one already been answered?
Search all the Heart Doctor questions and answers.
To search for a doctor or access St. Luke's physician referral service, use the "Find a Doctor" link at the top of this page.
Updated September 2014
