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 Abbott delivery device for closing holes in the hearts of premature infants
Cardiologists now have a new tool to assist with PDA closure in these vulnerable patients.
TAVR or SAVR? Market competition may be influencing these decisions
Hospitals located in more competitive markets may be more likely to perform TAVR instead of SAVR, according to a new analysis of more than 130,000 patients. Is this a reason for concern?
CMS considers Medicare coverage for TAVR in asymptomatic patients
After an official request from Edwards Lifesciences, CMS is rethinking its coverage policy for the use of TAVR to treat asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. The agency is accepting public comments on this topic until Jan. 14.
Newest TAVR valve from Edwards Lifesciences improves survival, real-world data confirm
A fifth-generation TAVR valve from Edwards Lifesciences was associated with improved outcomes compared to the device's predecessors in a new real-world analysis out of Cedars Sinai.
Women are more likely to have severe aortic stenosis missed on echocardiography results
Three out of four TTEs are being ordered by clinicians who are not cardiologists. Could this be having a negative impact on patient care?

Abbott has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance and CE mark approval for its Amplatzer Piccolo Delivery System.

FDA clears Abbott delivery device for closing holes in the hearts of premature infants

Cardiologists now have a new tool to assist with PDA closure in these vulnerable patients.

business marketing meal lunch food group project team building

TAVR or SAVR? Market competition may be influencing these decisions

Hospitals located in more competitive markets may be more likely to perform TAVR instead of SAVR, according to a new analysis of more than 130,000 patients. Is this a reason for concern?

cardiologists going through the certification process

CMS considers Medicare coverage for TAVR in asymptomatic patients

After an official request from Edwards Lifesciences, CMS is rethinking its coverage policy for the use of TAVR to treat asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. The agency is accepting public comments on this topic until Jan. 14.

Newest TAVR valve from Edwards Lifesciences improves survival, real-world data confirm

A fifth-generation TAVR valve from Edwards Lifesciences was associated with improved outcomes compared to the device's predecessors in a new real-world analysis out of Cedars Sinai.

old woman or doctor shaking hands with patient

Women are more likely to have severe aortic stenosis missed on echocardiography results

Three out of four TTEs are being ordered by clinicians who are not cardiologists. Could this be having a negative impact on patient care?

M-TEER still beneficial for high-risk patients with smaller mitral valve areas

Mitral valve surgery can be especially challenging when patients present with a small mitral valve area. When it comes to M-TEER, however, treatment still appears to be both safe and effective.

TAVR still a safe treatment option for immunocompromised patients

While patients with a weakened immune system are still more likely to die after TAVR than other patients, those deaths are largely not related to the procedure or any other cardiovascular issues. This new meta-analysis explored data from a variety of clinical trials.

Edwards Lifesciences shares positive outlook for 2026, pointing to continued importance of TAVR

The company expects TAVR sales alone to be as high as $4.9 billion in 2026. Other minimally invasive therapies are projected to make a major impact as well.