# Repair of mitral paravalvular leak using left atrial appendage tissue

## TL;DR

A new surgical technique uses left atrial appendage tissue to repair mitral paravalvular leaks, offering a potential alternative to re-replacement.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a novel surgical repair method using autologous left atrial appendage tissue for mitral paravalvular leaks.

## Key findings

- Using left atrial appendage tissue can effectively repair leaks at the 9 o'clock position.
- The technique is applicable when the leak is near the left atrial appendage and it is not adhered to the pericardial sac.

## Abstract

Paravalvular leak after mitral valve replacement causes serious symptoms such as heart failure and haemolysis. However, whether re-replacement or direct leak site repair is the appropriate surgical treatment for this condition remains controversial. Herein, we describe a case of paravalvular leak repaired using left atrial appendage tissue with excellent results. The proposed technique enables the repair of a leak at the 9 o’clock position with healthy, full-thickness autologous tissue. For this method, the leak must be located near the left atrial appendage, and the left atrial appendage must not adhere to the pericardial sac. Although this technique can only be used under specific conditions, it is a useful option for cardiac surgeons.

Paravalvular leak after mitral valve replacement occurs in 7–17% of patients and causes serious symptoms such as heart failure and haemolysis.