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.

FDA-approved surgical aortic valve implanted for first time in US
The next-generation valve from Corcym features a sutureless frame as well as laser-cut leaflets and thread holes.
Acute kidney injury after TAVR: Key risk factors every cardiologist should know
Multiple studies have linked acute kidney injury after TAVR to a heightened risk of short- and long-term mortality.
FDA approves JenaValve TAVR system for aortic regurgitation
The Trilogy Transcatheter Heart Valve System is the first TAVR device approved by the FDA to treat severe aortic regurgitation. Until now, interventional cardiologists have had to settle for the off-label use of TAVR valves built for treating aortic stenosis.
CRT 2026: Key takeaways for interventional cardiologists
CRT studies shed new light on many topics, including long-term TAVR outcomes, radiation protection and advanced interventional techniques.
Moderate valve oversizing during TAVR boosts survival—too much may be less beneficial
Oversizing transcatheter heart valves can improve TAVR outcomes. There is still a reason to be cautious, however, especially when patients are receiving a balloon-expandable valve.

Presenting with additional chronic conditions can make a big impact on TAVR outcomes

Hypertension, for instance, can increase an individual's risk of post-TAVR hospitalization or mortality, according to a new analysis of more than 350 high-risk patients.

TAVR, SAVR both beneficial for patients with low-gradient aortic stenosis

The new meta-analysis included data from 32 studies.

LAAC patients with major bleeding face worse outcomes, longer lengths of stay

The study, published in the American Journal of Cardiology, included data from nearly 20,000 patients treated in 2016 and 2017.

13% of TAVR patients develop acute kidney injury, increasing their risk of in-hospital mortality

Chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure and liver disease are just some of the comorbidities associated with a greater risk of AKI.

STEMI following TAVR associated with high rates of mortality, PCI failure

The analysis, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that post-TAVR STEMI might be rare, but it can lead to substantial complications.