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.

Early TAVR or SAVR in asymptomatic patients linked to improved survival, reduced costs
Researchers explored data from more than 24,000 AVR patients, presenting their findings at EuroPCR in Paris.
LVOT modification during robotic mitral valve repair limits complications
While LVOT modification does make these procedures longer, it can help high-risk patients avoid systolic anterior motion.
Medtronic gains a key approval for Evolut TAVR valves
More patients can now undergo redo TAVR with a Medtronic valve than ever before.
Same-day discharge after TAVR linked to positive outcomes
When low-risk patients undergo transfemoral TAVR, they may be able to go home without spending a single night at the hospital.
Intra-annular TAVR valves from Edwards Lifesciences and Abbott deliver similar 1-year outcomes
Each valve was associated with certain benefits, but one-year outcomes were largely similar.

Early TAVR or SAVR in asymptomatic patients linked to improved survival, reduced costs

Researchers explored data from more than 24,000 AVR patients, presenting their findings at EuroPCR in Paris.

LVOT modification during robotic mitral valve repair limits complications

While LVOT modification does make these procedures longer, it can help high-risk patients avoid systolic anterior motion.

Medtronic gains a key approval for Evolut TAVR valves

More patients can now undergo redo TAVR with a Medtronic valve than ever before.

Same-day discharge after TAVR linked to positive outcomes

When low-risk patients undergo transfemoral TAVR, they may be able to go home without spending a single night at the hospital.

Edwards Lifesciences SAPIEN 3 Ultra TAVR valve

Intra-annular TAVR valves from Edwards Lifesciences and Abbott deliver similar 1-year outcomes

Each valve was associated with certain benefits, but one-year outcomes were largely similar.

PCI just as successful when patients have a history of TAVR—but there are some added risks

Strokes and bleeding complications are more likely when PCI patients have already undergone TAVR, according to a new analysis of ACC registry data.

Video interview with Andreas Ruck, MD, explaining a SWEDHEART registry comparison of Acurate Neo2 to Sapien and Evolut TAVR valves.

Cardiologist highlights safety, effectiveness of Boston Scientific TAVR valve

Andreas Ruck, MD, discussed new registry data on Boston Scientific’s Acurate neo2 TAVR valve, comparing it to popular devices from Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic.

When valves fail: Surgeons share advice for treating high-risk patients with TAVR explant and SAVR

When a patient’s TAVR valve fails, redo TAVR is not always a feasible option. TAVR explantation and SAVR are typically the answer in these cases, but that approach is associated with certain risks.