Percutaneous Closure of a Mitral Perivalvular Leak Using Three Dimensional Real Time and Color Flow Imaging

The role of echocardiography, including three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography, during interventional procedures in the cardiac catheterization laboratory is continuing to expand as interventional cardiologists perform more catheter-based interventions. Echocardiography often complements angiographic imaging of cardiac structures and sometimes provides additional information not available by angiography and fluoroscopy. The closure of perivalvular leaks using catheter-based techniques is one of the areas in which 3D echocardiography can be helpful. This case report describes the use of 3D real-time and color flow imaging during the closure of a mitral perivalvular leak. Three-dimensional echocardiography was used to assess the leak prior to intervention and the success of the intervention at the completion of the case. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2010; 23: 903.e5-903.e7.)