Percutaneous paravalvular leak closure: chasing the chameleon

Abstract

Paravalvular leak (PVL) occurs after both surgical and transcatheter valve replacement/implantation. It can lead to haemolysis, heart failure and may increase the risk of endocarditis. Percutaneous closure has significantly less morbidity than re-operation and is therefore often the therapy of choice. Percutaneous PVL closure can make an important difference for patients and can improve patient prognosis. These procedures can be intricate and larger case series and research is needed to further develop and improve these procedures.