Mitral Periprosthetic Leak Procedure

Mitral periprosthetic leak procedure is a treatment for mitral periprosthetic regurgitation, a condition in which the replacement valve between the upper and lower chamber of the left side of the heart (mitral valve) leaks severely, leading to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the feet, all of which are symptoms of heart failure. Using this procedure, specialists are able to seal periprosthetic leaks in the prosthetic heart valve. These leaks are basically gaps, or defects, that typically form as a result of calcium buildup, suture rupture, or infection. Using special catheters and plugs, physicians are able to go into the heart through blood vessels in the groin, cross the gap, and seal it using appropriately sized vascular plugs.

Why UAB

The UAB Structural Heart & Valve Program is the oldest and largest program of its kind in Alabama. It provides ongoing care – sometimes for life – to patients who have or are at risk for structural heart and valve disease. Our experienced surgeons and cardiologists take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating this condition, and their expertise ranges from traditional open-heart surgery to robotic-assisted valve repair and the latest in minimally invasive surgical techniques, which require only small incisions (cuts).

The UAB Structural Heart & Valve Clinic has achieved several important milestones in the past decade. In 2012, we performed the first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in Alabama, and UAB has performed more TAVR procedures than any other hospital in the state. As an added service, patients who have been told by non-UAB doctors that they need valve surgery can speak to a UAB structural heart and valve surgeon for a second opinion.

VIDEOS

Minimally invasive procedure repairs leaks, restores patient’s independence.

Related Conditions

This procedure may be used to treat or diagnose several different conditions. We have listed some of these conditions below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Mitral Periprosthetic Leak Procedure. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information on clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

View Clinical Trials