Mitral Periprosthetic Leak

A mitral periprosthetic leak, or mitral periprosthetic regurgitation, is 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. 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, using a minimally invasive method called mitral periprosthetic leak procedure.

Why UAB

With the first and largest comprehensive heart valve program in the state, UAB Medicine provides continuing care for patients who have or are at risk for valve disease. Our team of surgeons and cardiologists are among the nation’s most highly regarded physicians, and they provide a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of valve disease. From aortic valve stenosis to mitral valve regurgitation, and from traditional open-heart surgery to the latest in minimally invasive procedures and robotic-assisted valve repair surgery, UAB patients benefit from our expertise in treating patients with valve disease.

The UAB Comprehensive Valve Program has built an impressive list of accomplishments in recent years. Our cardiologists and heart surgeons performed the first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in Alabama; to date UAB has performed more TAVRs 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 valve surgeon for a second opinion.

Images and Videos

Interventional cardiologist, Mark Sasse, MD, and UAB's team of heart and vascular surgeons and physicians provide unique, personalized care at Alabama's only nationally ranked hospital.

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

Take a video tour of the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Acton Road.

Patients like Sarah Ford travel to UAB because of the experienced surgeons and cutting-edge care.

Heart valve disease affects patients of all ages, but there are effective treatments and lifestyle changes you can make to improve your condition.

PHYSICIANS

Constantine L. Athanasuleas, MD

James E. Davies Jr., MD

Lisa Findley, CRNP, DNP

William L. Holman, MD

Massoud Leesar, MD

Sara J. Pereira, MD

Mohammed Sarraf, MD

Mark Sasse, MD

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.

Heart Valve Disease

RELATED SERVICES

Mitral Periprosthetic Leak Procedure

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of mitral periprosthetic leak . 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