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.

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Patients find long-term migraine relief after PFO closure

A study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions this month found that patients who suffer from migraines may find long-term relief after transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure.

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Child’s odds of surviving CHD contingent on community’s wealth

The largest comprehensive study of congenital heart disease to date has revealed that, despite an overall decline in mortality over the past few decades, a child’s odds of surviving a CHD diagnosis hinge on the economic health of their community.

Study reveals similar 5-year outcomes for TAVR, SAVR

An analysis of PARTNER 2 data published in the New England Journal of Medicine Jan. 29 suggests five-year post-op outcomes are similar among heart patients who undergo either transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement.

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Controlled-release opioid triples risk of endocarditis in injection drug users

Injection drug users prescribed controlled release hydromorphone—an opioid—are three times more likely to develop endocarditis than users prescribed other opioids, according to work published Jan. 22 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

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Nonprofit shells out $5.7M for research on single ventricle heart defects

Palo Alto, Calif.-based nonprofit Additional Ventures announced Jan. 21 it would be awarding a total of $5.7 million to five institutions for research on single ventricle heart defects.

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How engineering could optimize the artificial heart valve

Redesigning the artificial heart valve could improve blood flow and potentially eliminate the need for blood thinners in patients with mechanical support, according to a new study.

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Minimalist TAVI: What it means and why it works

Taking a minimalist approach to transcatheter aortic valve implantation, which involves using conscious sedation in lieu of general anesthesia, could result in greater procedural efficiency and a comparable quality of life for patients.

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Successful TMVR hinges on operator experience

The odds of a successful and effective TMVR for the treatment of mitral regurgitation increase alongside an operator’s level of experience, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has found.