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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Medical societies, medtech companies and clinicians weigh in as CMS considers sweeping TAVR changes

CMS is considering substantial updates to its TAVR policies, including coverage for asymptomatic patients. Some stakeholders are excited, embracing the possibility of expanded indications and fewer restrictions. Others are concerned that the changes would be too much, too soon.

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Post-TAVR echocardiography helps predict a patient’s long-term risk of SVD

Postprocedural gradients can tell cardiologists a lot about a patient's long-term risk of structural valve deterioration.

Abbott’s Navitor TAVR valve linked to positive real-world outcomes

The intra-annular, self-expanding Navitor valve gained FDA approval in 2023 for the treatment of high-risk heart patients with severe aortic stenosis. This analysis explores its early impact on patient care. 

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TAVR’s next big challenge: Providing consistent relief for heart patients with aortic regurgitation

TAVR has already transformed care for patients with severe aortic stenosis. Will it make a similar impact on the treatment of aortic regurgitation?

Low-volume operators linked to worse outcomes after TAVR, M-TEER

Researchers tracked data from more than 400,00 patients, sharing their findings in JAMA Cardiology.

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Haemonetics acquires Irish medtech company focused on vessel closure for up to $215M

The device at the heart of this transaction is the PerQseal Elite system, a fully bioabsorbable patch for percutaneous vessel closure. The technology has already gained key approvals in Europe. 

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Judge blocks Edwards’ JenaValve acquisition—FTC calls it a ‘major win’ for Trump administration

The FTC argued that the $945M deal, first announced in 2024, was "anticompetitive." A federal judge agreed. 

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TAVR, other interventional procedures may provide value for patients with carcinoid heart disease

These patients are typically treated with surgery, but those procedures carry their own risks that clinicians would prefer to avoid.