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.

TMVR device with valve-in-ring design gains key approval
HighLife's new-look TMVR technology was designed to treat a wide range of patients. The two-part implant process includes a ring and a valve that centers itself inside that ring.
Patients with paradoxical low-flow, low gradient AS linked to higher mortality rate after TAVR
Patients with this specific subtype of severe aortic stenosis, which can sometimes be challenging to diagnose, face a number of additional risks.
AI model turns POCUS images into accurate structural heart evaluations
Researchers see potential for this technology to make cardiac screening much easier for physicians who are not trained cardiologists.
Abbott executive who led TAVR, Tendyne divisions announces exit
Chris Waddell, a medtech executive focused on various structural heart technologies, is leaving Abbott after several years to "recharge" and pursue a new opportunity.
Robotic cardiac surgery building momentum thanks to RAVR, other breakthroughs
The sky may be the limit for robotic cardiac surgery in 2026 and beyond.

HighLife Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) System

TMVR device with valve-in-ring design gains key approval

HighLife's new-look TMVR technology was designed to treat a wide range of patients. The two-part implant process includes a ring and a valve that centers itself inside that ring.

old woman or doctor shaking hands with patient

Patients with paradoxical low-flow, low gradient AS linked to higher mortality rate after TAVR

Patients with this specific subtype of severe aortic stenosis, which can sometimes be challenging to diagnose, face a number of additional risks.

AISAP, an Israeli healthcare technology company focused on using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance medical imaging results, has gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its new point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) software platform, AISAP Cardio.

AI model turns POCUS images into accurate structural heart evaluations

Researchers see potential for this technology to make cardiac screening much easier for physicians who are not trained cardiologists.

Abbott executive who led TAVR, Tendyne divisions announces exit

Chris Waddell, a medtech executive focused on various structural heart technologies, is leaving Abbott after several years to "recharge" and pursue a new opportunity.

Robotic aortic valve replacement (RAVR) is a new minimally invasive treatment option for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) that uses advanced robotic surgical systems. It has already started gaining momentum as an alternative to both surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Robotic cardiac surgery building momentum thanks to RAVR, other breakthroughs

The sky may be the limit for robotic cardiac surgery in 2026 and beyond.

The DurAVR TAVR system from Anteris Technologies

Medtronic invests $90M in medtech company behind one-of-a-kind TAVR tech

Anteris Technologies is known for its biomimetic transcatheter heart valve, the DurAVR THV System. The device is the first of its kind and has gained considerable attention as the TAVR market continues to grow.

Abbott’s medtech sales climbed in Q4 thanks to strength of heart devices

Abbott pointed to double-digit growth for its Navitor TAVR valve as well as big gains for the TriClip and MitraClip devices. The company also shared positive sales figures for its EP, heart failure and rhythm management portfolios.

Medical societies, medtech companies and clinicians weigh in as CMS considers sweeping TAVR changes

CMS is considering substantial updates to its TAVR policies, including coverage for asymptomatic patients. Some stakeholders are excited, embracing the possibility of expanded indications and fewer restrictions. Others are concerned that the changes would be too much, too soon.