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.

Popular weight loss drug linked to key benefits for patients undergoing TAVR, PCI
Two separate studies explored the value of treating heart patients with tirzepatide.
First bedside procedure of its kind performed by traveling clinicians on premature infant
The 22-week-old patient was successfully treated by a traveling cardiologist—all without being transported to the cath lab.
When bioprosthetic mitral valves fail: Redo surgery bests transcatheter treatment after 5 years
Short-term outcomes were comparable, but long-term data revealed a significant difference in all-cause mortality.
How to prevent the most common complication after heart surgery
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons put together an expert committee to examine the prevention and treatment of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. The group shared recommendations for before, during and after treatment.
Early SAVR in asymptomatic heart patients linked to long-term benefits
New 10-year data explored the impact of performing SAVR on asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis.

heart data research doctor cardiologist AI

Two separate studies explored the value of treating heart patients with tirzepatide.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure

First bedside procedure of its kind performed by traveling clinicians on premature infant

The 22-week-old patient was successfully treated by a traveling cardiologist—all without being transported to the cath lab.

When bioprosthetic mitral valves fail: Redo surgery bests transcatheter treatment after 5 years

Short-term outcomes were comparable, but long-term data revealed a significant difference in all-cause mortality.

Compensation for U.S. cardiologists is up across the board, according to a recent survey published by MedAxiom, an American College of Cardiology company. The report identified similar trends for cardiovascular surgeons, highlighting the country’s high demand for all heart specialists in 2024 and beyond.

How to prevent the most common complication after heart surgery

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons put together an expert committee to examine the prevention and treatment of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. The group shared recommendations for before, during and after treatment.

Early SAVR in asymptomatic heart patients linked to long-term benefits

New 10-year data explored the impact of performing SAVR on asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis.

One of the big late-breaking trials presented at the 2026 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Sessions was the CHAMPION-AF, which showed left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) can offer a safe, non-drug alternative to anticoagulation therapy, even in patients with atrial fibrillation who are not at high risk for bleeding. First author of the study Shephal Doshi, MD, FACC, an electrophysiologist at Cedars Sinai Smidt Heart Institute, discussed the details of the trial. #LAAO #ACC #ACC26

New data point to LAAO as a safe alternative to long-term drug therapy

At the end of the day, one electrophysiologist explained, these decisions should still be made on a case-by-case basis.

Edwards Evoque transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement TTVR

PVL after TTVR linked to much lower survival rate, fewer clinical benefits

TTVR has made a major impact on heart patients all over the world. Just like aortic and mitral valve replacement, however, paravalvular leak is a serious complication that can lead to much worse outcomes.

Post-TAVR bleeding in AFib patients much less common with apixaban than rivaroxaban

When it came to all-cause mortality and ischemic stroke, however, the two popular DOACs were associated with comparable outcomes.