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.

Medtronic TAVR valves at heart of multiple sessions during New York cardiology conference

Medtronic’s TAVR technology received a significant amount of attention during the very first New York Valves conference in New York City. Research focused on patients with small annuli as well as how five-year outcomes compare to surgery. 

cardiologist viewing heart data

Edwards shares new data highlighting consistency of its TAVR valves in women, patients with small annuli

Researchers explored five-year data from more than 1,300 TAVR patients treated with a balloon-expandable Sapien 3 valve, sharing their findings at New York Valves 2024: The Structural Heart Summit.

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has helped cardiologists, radiologists, nurses and other healthcare providers embrace precision medicine in a way that ensures more heart patients are receiving personalized care.

AI uses imaging results to ID high-risk TAVR patients with speed, accuracy

Researchers developed an advanced AI model capable of extracting measurements from unprocessed CT images in seconds. It then uses those data to evaluate the patient's mortality risk if they underwent TAVR.

M&A mergers and acquisitions business deal

Edwards Lifesciences sells critical care business to BD for $4.2B—remains ‘laser focused’ on structural heart disease

This move represents a pivot of sorts for Edwards; instead of pursuing a spin-off of its critical care business, the company is now doubling down on its commitment to develop new structural heart technologies. BD, meanwhile, says the transaction will deliver significant value. 

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Osteosarcopenia linked to much higher risk of death after TAVR—CT screening may prove valuable

Osteosarcopenia, an age-related condition associated with deterioration in the muscles and bones, nearly triples a patient’s risk of dying within one year of undergoing TAVR. 

alternative approaches for transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures

Transcaval TAVR a safe, effective alternative for patients with severe AS

Researchers examined data from eight different studies, noting that transcaval TAVR appears to be a "viable alternative" when transfemoral access is not an option. The procedure was linked to an overall success rate of 98.5%.

Transcatheter mitral valve interventions linked to lower stroke risk than surgery

Researchers performed a new meta-analysis of data from more than 51,000 patients. They examined a wide range of outcomes that also included AFib and all-cause mortality.

Newsweek ranked the 50 best heart hospitals in the world

New York Valves, CRF’s newest cardiology conference, makes heart team collaborations a priority

New York Valves: The Structural Heart Summit replaces the Transcatheter Valve Therapy conference CRF hosted for many years. The three-day event will include 12 late-breaking clinical trials focused on TAVR and new treatments for the mitral and tricuspid valves.