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.

Edwards Lifesciences announces key approval for new mitral valve replacement system
The Sapien M3 device was designed to treat symptomatic mitral regurgitation in patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery or transcatheter edge-to-edge repair.
Why surgery, not TAVR, remains the best treatment for some AS patients
TAVR is being used in more patients to treat severe aortic stenosis. However, according to a new commentary piece, SAVR is still the smartest treatment option for certain populations, including younger patients with bicuspid aortic valves.
First 500 patients in Align-AR trial using TAVR for pure aortic regurgitation show strong outcomes
Raj Makkar, MD, Cedars-Sinai, explains the late-breaking data from the Align-AR trial on the first 500 patients treated for aortic regurgitation using the Jena Valve TAVR device.
Right heart cardiac ultrasound contrast agent for shunts enters U.S. trial
Currently there are no FDA cleared echocardiography contrast agents commercially available for use on the right side of the heart to detect shunts, but a new agent that promises to improve workflow and imaging is about to enter a U.S. trial.
5-year Evolut Low Risk Data: Durable clinical outcomes, outstanding valve performance
The late-breaking five-year results of the Evolut Low-Risk Trial presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2025 meeting in late March, showed positive results for the Evolut transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system vs. surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Transcarotid Access: The Future of Non-femoral TAVR?

The transcarotid approach to TAVR is becoming more common, according to research presented at TVT.19.

As Surgery Gives Way to Transcatheter Procedures, Is the Cardiology Cash Cow in Jeopardy?

With minimally invasive structural procedures crowding out their surgical counterparts, how are physicians and hospitals preparing for the new reality?

FDA Expands Indication for TAVR to Low-risk Patients

The U.S. now will allow TAVR for patients at low risk for death or major complications during open-heart surgery.

Who Shouldn’t Get TAVR? Lower-risk TAVR Raises New Challenges Around Assessing Patient Eligibility

As TAVR finds a new comfort zone in younger, healthier patients, determining who shouldn’t receive the replacement valve is becoming a nuanced and challenging exercise.

Early anticoagulation after SAVR reduces stroke risk

Early anticoagulation after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement didn’t result in adverse clinical events or significantly affect aortic valve hemodynamics in a recent analysis of 4,832 heart patients, but it was linked to lower stroke rates in cases of SAVR.

FDA expands indication for TAVR to low-risk patients

The FDA has expanded its indication for TAVR to low-risk patients, the agency announced August 16, approving a handful of valves for an intervention that was previously limited to intermediate- and high-risk patients.

Mental illness common in kids, adults with CHD

Mental illnesses including developmental and mood disorders are prevalent in adolescents and adults with CHD, an American Journal of Cardiology study found, suggesting mental health care might be a beneficial factor in comprehensive treatment.

Whites see higher use but similar outcomes of TAVR, TMVR compared to black, Hispanic patients

White patients are recommended for three of the most common structural heart disease interventions more often than their black and Hispanic counterparts, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, but procedural outcomes are similar among the groups.

Structural Heart Disease

Edwards Lifesciences announces key approval for new mitral valve replacement system

Why surgery, not TAVR, remains the best treatment for some AS patients

First 500 patients in Align-AR trial using TAVR for pure aortic regurgitation show strong outcomes

Right heart cardiac ultrasound contrast agent for shunts enters U.S. trial

5-year Evolut Low Risk Data: Durable clinical outcomes, outstanding valve performance