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.

Siemens Healthineers and Boston Scientific partner on next-generation intracardiac echo for LAAO
The agreement also will make Boston Scientific the exclusive distributor for the new ICE catheter optimized for left atrial appendage occlusion workflows.
A new alternative: Surgeons, cardiologists gather to learn about robotic aortic valve replacement
The WVU Heart and Vascular Institute is hosting a two-day symposium focused on exploring the benefits and long-term potential of robotic aortic valve replacement. Fans of the procedure say it represents a safe, effective alternative to TAVR and SAVR in patients with severe aortic stenosis.
Prosthesis-patient mismatch after TAVR may not negatively impact quality of life
Researchers warned that “aggressive procedural modifications” should not be necessary during TAVR to mitigate the risk of prosthesis-patient mismatch. This appears to be true for patients receiving both self-expanding and balloon-expandable TAVR valves.
A significant risk in female heart patients: Paradoxical low-flow, low-gradient AS
Identifying the signs of severe aortic stenosis is typically a fairly straightforward process for cardiologists. In some cases, however, the patient’s symptoms present in a way that is outside of the norm.
Prosthesis-patient mismatch after TAVR: Key details cardiologists need to know
Prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) is the phenomenon that occurs when the effective orifice area of a prosthetic heart valve isn’t adequately sized to meet a patient’s blood flow requirements. More is known today about PPM than ever before—but there is still so much to learn.

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.

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare

Performing PCI and TAVR together may improve in-hospital outcomes, long-term survival

When patients require PCI and TAVR, performing them at the same time is associated with both short- and long-term benefits.

Cardiologists perform first TTVR of its kind on recent heart transplant recipient

When a 50-year-old patient developed severe TR just months after receiving a heart transplant, the safest treatment option was to implant an Evoque TTVR device.

Ismail El-Hamamsy, MD, PhD, director of aortic surgery for the Mount Sinai Health System, explains the long-term outcomes of the Ross procedure, where a diseased aortic valve is surgically replaced with the patient's own pulmonary valve.

Long-term data highlight Ross procedure's safety, effectiveness in younger patients

TAVR may get more attention, but the Ross procedure has also gained significant momentum in recent years. Ismail El-Hamamsy, MD, PhD, detailed his own team's success with the complex procedure.

FDA clears new AI model for MAC detection in routine imaging results

The advanced algorithm was designed to detect and evaluate mitral annular calcification on routine, non-gated CT scans. It is now available as part of Carebricks, a generative AI platform from Bunkerhill Health.

SCAI highlights the benefits of ICE-guided structural heart interventions

ICE is gaining momentum as a helpful imaging option during structural heart interventions, according to a new SCAI position statement. TEE and TTE remain incredibly important, but there are times when ICE can provide the guidance necessary.

DAPT during valve-in-valve TAVR may reduce stroke risk—more data still required

New research suggests there may be a cardiovascular benefit to considering dual antiplatelet therapy for valve-in-valve TAVR patients.

Structural Heart Disease

Siemens Healthineers and Boston Scientific partner on next-generation intracardiac echo for LAAO

A new alternative: Surgeons, cardiologists gather to learn about robotic aortic valve replacement

Prosthesis-patient mismatch after TAVR may not negatively impact quality of life

A significant risk in female heart patients: Paradoxical low-flow, low-gradient AS

Prosthesis-patient mismatch after TAVR: Key details cardiologists need to know