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.

cardiologists heart doctors

Cardiologists agree: Early TAVR or SAVR for asymptomatic severe AS limits strokes, hospitalizations

Two separate groups have published new research comparing early AVR with clinical surveillance for the treatment of asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Overall, the two groups found, early treatment was associated with multiple benefits—and no added risk of harm.

SCAI President James Hermiller, MD, discusses the need for more better radiation protection in the cath lab#SCAI #CathLab, #RadiationExposure #cardiology

SCAI leaders 'on a mission' to improve cath lab protection from radiation, orthopedic injury

SCAI President James Hermiller, Jr., MD, explains the need for more innovative radiation protection systems in the cath lab.

pediatric pacemaker

‘A new alternative’: Tiny pacemakers for infants show early promise

A team of pediatric specialists worked closely with representative from Medtronic to develop the new pacemakers. Overall, the tiny devices—approximately one-quarter the size of a traditional pacemaker—were found to be both safe and effective. They are still under development.

Capstan Medical robotic transcatheter mitral valve replacement

Cardiologists make history, complete world’s first robotic transcatheter mitral valve replacements

One of the cardiologists involved in the procedures said they represent "a significant leap forward in structural heart intervention."

Corcym has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for a new version of its Perceval Plus surgical aortic heart valve that includes the company’s advanced LANCELOT features.

FDA approves design updates for Perceval Plus surgical aortic valve

The valve's sutureless, collapsible frame was built to simplify implantation and help patients recover faster following surgery. This updated version features laser-cut details and was shaped using a zero-pressure fixation process.

self-centering guide catheter (SCGC) for TAVR from Boston Scientific

Cardiologists are first in world to use new TAVR catheter from Boston Scientific

The new Self-Centering Guide Catheter was designed to help care teams with the retrograde crossing of the aortic valve during TAVR. Researchers evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the catheter, sharing their experience in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

heart data research doctor cardiologist AI

TAVR vs. SAVR: Real-world data highlight advantages of both techniques

The biggest differences, researchers noted, were found in the long-term outcomes of low- and intermediate-risk patients.

Pi-Cardia ShortCut TAVR device

Cardiologists treat first commercial patients with FDA-cleared valve-in-valve TAVR device

Pi-Cardia, an Israeli medtech company, describes ShortCut as the “world’s first dedicated leaflet modification device."