Hybrid approach for transcatheter paravalvular leak closure of mitral prosthesis in high-risk patients through transapical access.

OBJECTIVES

To report "hybrid" procedure feasibility and the clinical success of transcatheter paravalvular leak closure through apical access.

METHODS

Seven patients (73.6±6.1 years; 4 men) with severe mitral prosthesis paravalvular leak were selected. All patients were at high risk for open surgery because of severe comorbidities and heart failure (New York Heart Association class III-IV).

RESULTS

The defect size was 25±7.8 mm in the long axis and 9.3±2 mm in the short axis. Two defects were detected in 2 patients. The transapical procedure was performed in a "hybrid" surgery room using minithoracotomy and general anesthesia. Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy were used for imaging. A total of 19 Amplatzer Vascular Plug III devices (St Jude Medical) were implanted in 7 patients, 2.7/patient and 1 to 3/fistula. The procedure time was 150.7±66.8 minutes. In 6 of 7 patients (85.7%), the paravalvular leak was successfully closed, resulting in no or mild residual regurgitation. One patient had moderate regurgitation despite deployment of 3 Amplatzer Vascular Plug III devices. Two patients required blood transfusion related to procedural blood loss. The patients were discharged at 15.3±6.5 days and followed up at 215.7±138.6 days. All but 1 patient reported symptomatic improvement by ≥1 New York Heart Association class at follow-up. One patient died 216 days postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

A "hybrid approach" for transcatheter paravalvular leak closure of mitral prosthesis from the apical route is effective in reducing the regurgitation grade and improving functional capacity in high-risk patients. Complete closure of the defect was maintained at follow-up in most patients.