Structural Heart Disease

Structural heart diseases include any issues preventing normal cardiovascular function due to damage or alteration to the anatomical components of the heart. This is caused by aging, advanced atherosclerosis, calcification, tissue degeneration, congenital heart defects and heart failure. The most commonly treated areas are the heart valves, in particular the mitral and aortic valves. These can be replaced through open heart surgery or using cath lab-based transcatheter valves or repairs to eliminate regurgitation due to faulty valve leaflets. This includes transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Other common procedures include left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion and closing congenital holes in the heart, such as PFO and ASD. A growing area includes transcatheter mitral repair or replacement and transcatheter tricuspid valve repair and replacement.

FDA clears new AI model for MAC detection in routine imaging results
The advanced algorithm was designed to detect and evaluate mitral annular calcification on routine, non-gated CT scans. It is now available as part of Carebricks, a generative AI platform from Bunkerhill Health.
SCAI highlights the benefits of ICE-guided structural heart interventions
ICE is gaining momentum as a helpful imaging option during structural heart interventions, according to a new SCAI position statement. TEE and TTE remain incredibly important, but there are times when ICE can provide the guidance necessary.
DAPT during valve-in-valve TAVR may reduce stroke risk—more data still required
New research suggests there may be a cardiovascular benefit to considering dual antiplatelet therapy for valve-in-valve TAVR patients.
Cardiologists, heart surgeons sound alarm over widespread use of TAVR in low-risk patients
Are too many low-risk patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR instead of SAVR? According to one group of clinicians, "a significant public health concern may be looming."
Medtronic gains key approval for LAA exclusion device
The FDA-cleared device from Medtronic, which arrives pre-loaded on a single-use delivery system, is now set to launch in Europe.

FDA clears new AI model for MAC detection in routine imaging results

The advanced algorithm was designed to detect and evaluate mitral annular calcification on routine, non-gated CT scans. It is now available as part of Carebricks, a generative AI platform from Bunkerhill Health.

SCAI highlights the benefits of ICE-guided structural heart interventions

ICE is gaining momentum as a helpful imaging option during structural heart interventions, according to a new SCAI position statement. TEE and TTE remain incredibly important, but there are times when ICE can provide the guidance necessary.

DAPT during valve-in-valve TAVR may reduce stroke risk—more data still required

New research suggests there may be a cardiovascular benefit to considering dual antiplatelet therapy for valve-in-valve TAVR patients.

Cardiologists, heart surgeons sound alarm over widespread use of TAVR in low-risk patients

Are too many low-risk patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR instead of SAVR? According to one group of clinicians, "a significant public health concern may be looming."

Medtronic Penditure Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Exclusion System

Medtronic gains key approval for LAA exclusion device

The FDA-cleared device from Medtronic, which arrives pre-loaded on a single-use delivery system, is now set to launch in Europe.

Tracking the long-term safety of performing SAVR, other heart surgeries after TAVR

More and more TAVR patients are going to require SAVR later in life. A research team out of Cleveland Clinic hoped to learn more about how this one-two combination may impact long-term outcomes.

The next generation Watchman device is designed to better seal off complex LAA anatomy to prevent strokes in atrial fibrillation patients. It uses an optimized architecture to fill gaps and adapt to the unique characteristics of each patient's appendage, which come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

Next-generation Watchman enters trial in 2026 as LAAO volume grows

The next-generation Watchman device is designed to better seal off complex LAA anatomy in a variety of LAA shapes and sizes.

How TAVR device type may impact outcomes in patients with excessive cusp calcification

Should patients with excessive cusp calcification be treated with self-expanding or balloon-expandable TAVR devices? Each valve type appears to be associated with its own benefits and risks.