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.

man making a decision

At a crossroads: Surgical heart valve innovation slows as transcatheter treatments keep evolving

Has the success of TAVR and other interventional techniques had a negative impact on surgical valve innovation? Two surgeons shared their concerns in a new commentary. 

Tria Mitral Valve Foldax

Polymer heart valve, the first of its kind to gain commercial approval, linked to positive 1-year data

The new-look mitral valve is built using LifePolymer, a proprietary material that does not include any animal tissue. Both the frame and its leaflets are robotically generated to match each patient’s anatomy.

Boston Scientific's Sentinel Cerebral Protection System during a TAVR procedure

Effective, but not worth the cost: CEPD use during TAVR fails to make a significant difference

Cerebral embolic protection devices are proven to work. However, according to one cardiologist, they are still not consistently reducing stroke rates.

The Evoque transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) system for tricuspid regurgitation from Edwards Lifesciences

TTVR with Evoque system linked to positive real-world outcomes after 30 days

According to early real-world data, the FDA-approved Evoque TTVR device is associated with positive outcomes when used to treat severe tricuspid regurgitation. 

EnCompass F2 device from Nevada-based EnCompass Technologies

A closer look at world’s first TAVR patient treated with new cerebral embolic protection device

The device covers three vessels at once and can be deployed through the patient's TAVR access site. Researchers shared their first-in-human experience in JACC: Case Reports.

heart data research doctor cardiologist AI

TAVR patients with moderate or greater TR may face increased risks

When TAVR patients present with moderate or greater tricuspid regurgitation, it could impact the care team's treatment strategy of choice.

SS Innovations International SSi Mantra 3 robotic surgery system

Robotic heart surgery represents a key step forward for SS Innovations

The company's SSi Mantra 3 robotic surgery system has already gained regulatory approvals in several countries. FDA approval is anticipated by late 2025 or early 2026.

Statue of Liberty New York City healthcare

Late-breaking clinical trials announced for New York Valves 2025

The three-day event is now in its second year. Each day will feature late-breaking clinical trials focused on a different heart valve.