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.

cardiologist viewing heart data

TAVR and pulmonary hypertension: Key details from a study of 35,000 patients

Patients with pulmonary hypertension are associated with increased short- and long-term risks of death following TAVR. Researchers emphasized the importance of learning as much as possible about this topic going forward. 

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Market for transcatheter heart valve replacement could top $19B in 10 years

As one may expect, advances in TAVR and TMVR technologies are seen as key drivers of the market’s success.

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Mechanical valves linked to superior long-term survival after tricuspid valve replacement

Each valve type has its own benefits, researchers noted, but mechanical valves are associated with multiple long-term benefits compared to tissue/bioprosthetic valves. 

doctor with overweight patient who may be treated with TAVR or surgery

How persistent AFib impacts TAVR survival

Persistent and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation appear to affect short- and long-term TAVR mortality rates in different ways, according to a new study of nearly 3,000 patients. Some trends fade over time, while others remain in place after many years. 

artificial intelligence in cardiology

AI can help cardiologists predict death after TAVR—but there is a catch

It's clear that advanced AI algorithms will radically transform care for TAVR patients in the years ahead. For now, however, certain AI models may require too much data to be helpful on a consistent basis. 

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The waiting game: Delaying TAVR increases healthcare costs by $10K per year

Delaying TAVR in eligible patients with severe AS can lead to much higher healthcare costs, according to a new study of real-world Medicare data.

doctor patient discharge after heart surgery

TAVR vs. SAVR for low-risk patients: Cardiologist explores the decision-making process

While multiple studies have confirmed that TAVR and surgery are associated with comparable outcomes, it is important to take an individualized approach to all treatment decisions.

The Tria surgical mitral valve is built using LifePolymer, a proprietary material that does not include animal tissue. Both the frame of the valve and its leaflets are generated by computer to match each patient’s native mitral valve. According to Foldax, this new-look polymer reduces the long-term risk of valve calcification, and patients should be able to bounce back after surgery without requiring the long-time use of anticoagulants.

New-look polymer mitral valve linked to positive outcomes 30 days after surgery

The new surgical valve from Foldax was designed to limit calcification and make it so patients do not require long-term anticoagulant therapy following treatment.