Bioprosthetic Valve Thrombosis

Abstract

Bioprosthetic valve (BPV) thrombosis is considered a relatively rare clinical entity. Yet a more recent analysis involving a more systematic echocardiographic follow-up, the advent of transcatheter heart valve (THV) technologies coupled with the highly sensitive nature of 4-dimensional computed tomographic imaging for detecting subclinical thrombi upon both surgically implanted and THVs, has generated enormous interest in this field, casting new light on both its true incidence and clinical relevance. Debate continues among clinicians as to both the clinical relevance of subclinical BPV thrombosis and the value of empirical oral anticoagulation following BPV implantation. Furthermore, currently no systematic, prospective data exist regarding the optimal treatment approach in THV recipients. The authors provide an overview of the clinical and subclinical spectrum of BPV thrombosis of surgical and THVs, outline its diagnostic challenges, summarize its pathophysiological basis, and discuss various therapeutic options that are emerging, particularly within the rapidly expanding field of THV implantation.

Keywords: 4-dimensional computed tomography; heart valve prosthesis; surgical aortic valve replacement; thromboembolism; thrombolytic therapy; transcatheter aortic valve replacement.