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 Evolut FX TAVR valve

Oversizing reduces PVL when implanting Medtronic’s newer self-expanding TAVR valves

Paravalvular leak has been shown to impact patient outcomes after TAVR. Higher degrees of valve oversizing, however, can reduce the risk of post-treatment PVL without increasing the odds of adverse outcomes.

Edwards Lifesciences INSPIRIS RESILIA Aortic Valve

Resilia tissue developed by Edwards Lifesciences linked to long-term benefits

Researchers tracked nearly 1,000 SAVR patients, presenting eight-year data at the Heart Valve Society’s annual meeting in Cairo, Egypt. 

Solo Pace Incorporated SoloPace Control System

Cardiologist-founded startup announces FDA clearance, first uses of new TAVR pacing system

“The device takes variability out of the procedure by giving the operator full control while automating ramp-up and back-up algorithms," according to a clinician who used the new technology. "The TAVR procedure is simplified, reducing physician and staff workload."

cardiologist viewing heart data

Death after 1 year more common for real-world low-risk TAVR patients than those treated in clinical trials

Real-world patients were still associated with "excellent" outcomes, but it is important for cardiologists and patients alike to know as much as possible about the odds of survival following treatment. 

LUMA Vision Verafeye Visualization Platform

FDA clears catheter-based 4D visualization platform for complex heart procedures

The new technology from LUMA Vision allows operators to deliver 2D and 4D ultrasound images in real time. The advanced catheter was built with maneuverability and increased visibility in mind.

Surgeons Operating On Patient

No longer the ‘forgotten valve’: Tricuspid valve surgery outcomes keep improving

Patient outcomes after tricuspid valve replacement have improved significantly over the years, according to new data published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

Edwards Lifesciences Sapien M3

Edwards Lifesciences announces key approval for new mitral valve replacement system

The Sapien M3 device was designed to treat symptomatic mitral regurgitation in patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery or transcatheter edge-to-edge repair.

A majority of medical devices involved in Class I recalls were never required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to undergo premarket or postmarket clinical testing, according to new research published in Annals of Internal Medicine.[1]

Why surgery, not TAVR, remains the best treatment for some AS patients

TAVR is being used in more patients to treat severe aortic stenosis. However, according to a new commentary piece, SAVR is still the smartest treatment option for certain populations, including younger patients with bicuspid aortic valves.