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 clears TAVR guidewire built with BASILICA in mind
The Telltale system was designed to assist cardiologists when BASILICA is required prior to TAVR.
New technique could help when cardiologists repair 2 leaky heart valves at once
Performing M-TEER and T-TEER on the same patient using a single guide catheter appears to be both safe and effective. Researchers shared their experience with this approach in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.
‘Strongest growth in over a decade’: Heart tech helps Medtronic beat earnings expectations
The company's PFA and TAVR technologies both played key roles in the successful second quarter. In addition, Medtronic expects its place in the renal denervation market to make a major impact going forward.
Did Boston Scientific pull the plug too early on TAVR devices? Cardiologists weigh in
Boston Scientific stopped selling its Acurate TAVR systems after they underperformed in a few key trials and failed to gain FDA approval. Was it the right call?
Early TAVR for asymptomatic severe AS cuts costs, improves outcomes
The study found lifetime per-patient savings from early TAVR ranged from about $2,334 in the U.K. to $19,607 in Switzerland.

Michael J. Mack, MD, discusses his team's seven-year update to the PARTNER 3 trial at TCT 2025 in San Francisco.

PARTNER 3 update: TAVR still comparable to SAVR in low-risk patients after 7 years

PARTNER 3 has been one of the most closely watched clinical trials in cardiology for many years now. Michael J. Mack, MD, presented a seven-year update during a packed session at TCT 2025.

Medtronic launches FDA-cleared guidewire compatible with multiple TAVR systems

The guidewire was built specifically with Medtronic's own Evolut platform in mind. However, it is also compatible with all other commercially available TAVR systems.

Ancora Heart AccuCinch Ventricular Restoration System heart failure FDA

Transcatheter heart failure implant from Ancora Heart linked to positive 2-year data

The flexible device is attached to the inner wall of the left ventricle during a minimally invasive procedure. It was designed to reduce the size of the left ventricle over time.

New biodegradable PFO closure device shows early potential

Researchers tracked patients for two years, using echocardiography to confirm the devices had completely vanished. Additional studies will still be required.

potential new tariffs on medical devices, imaging equipment, PPE and more

Cardiology groups among the voices concerned about more medical device tariffs

When the Trump administration requested public input on adding more tariffs for PPE and all medical devices, hundreds of public comments were submitted. One common concern among those responses is that healthcare providers could be left with significantly higher costs.

ASE leading push to revise CPT code for interventional echocardiography

The pressure is on for ASE and other societies to create a new CPT code for the use of interventional echocardiography during structural heart procedures.

heart data AI algorithm cardiologist doctor

Medtronic announces new AI partnership focused on improving TAVR care

Participating TAVR programs will receive AI-powered recommendations courtesy of DASI Simulations.

SGLT2 inhibitors after TAVR may boost survival, limit bioprosthetic valve dysfunction

Prescribing these drugs to TAVR patients could improve certain clinical outcomes, according to a new study of nearly 27,000 adults.

Structural Heart Disease

FDA clears TAVR guidewire built with BASILICA in mind

New technique could help when cardiologists repair 2 leaky heart valves at once

‘Strongest growth in over a decade’: Heart tech helps Medtronic beat earnings expectations

Did Boston Scientific pull the plug too early on TAVR devices? Cardiologists weigh in

Early TAVR for asymptomatic severe AS cuts costs, improves outcomes