CoreValve Double Jeopardy

Abstract

During transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a self-expanding prosthesis, prosthesis embolization represents a rare but severe complication. Etiologies of prosthesis embolization include improper sizing and malpositioning, specifically high deployment with respect to the aortic annulus. Treatment of embolization into the aorta relies upon repositioning of the prosthesis using endovascular snares or removal with open surgery. Patients with prosthesis embolization have a high risk of mortality and morbidity including stroke and aortic dissection associated with manipulation of the prosthesis in the ascending aorta. We describe a case of self-expanding prosthesis embolization and present a solution using a second prosthesis to capture the embolized one.