RISKS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Possible risks of the Harmony TPV therapy include the following:
- Death
- Irregular valve function, including narrowing of the valve
- Parts of the valve or valve tissue breaking down
- Bruising
- Heart failure
- Stroke (a condition in which decreased blood flow to the brain causes brain cells to die)
- Poking a hole in a large blood vessel (perforation)
- Rupture of the area between the pumping chamber and lung artery
- Pressing of the valve against the parts of the heart that could affect blood flow
- Infection in the bloodstream
- Bulging of the blood vessel causing blood to leak into the surrounding areas of the heart
- Wearing away of heart tissue where the valve the valve is implanted
- Break (fracture) in the valve frame
- Irregular rate or rhythm of the heartbeat
- Movement of the valve from where it was placed
- A piece of blood clot, air, or heart tissue traveling to and causing problems with lung function
- Blocking of the main artery to the lungs
- Placement of the valve in an unplanned location or upside down (misorientation)
- Backward flow of blood through the valve
- Leakage around the valve frame
- Not enough (inadequate) blood flow through the valve
- Thickening of the valve preventing proper blood flow to lungs
- Unexpected bleeding that may require a blood transfusion
- Infection of the heart valve
- A blood clot can form, and may travel to another part of the body
- Weakening of the valve or buildup of calcium on the valve, leaflets, or tissue
- Bleeding problems, which could be major or life-threatening
- Bleeding caused by blood thinning medication used during the procedure
- Fever
- Pain or swelling at the site where the catheter was inserted
- Allergic reaction to X-ray dye
- Infection
- High blood pressure in the lungs
- Thickening or peeling of the heart wall
- Damage to red blood cells