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.

Topaz transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) system TriCares

Cardiologist shares positive first-in-human data on TriCares TTVR device

The new Topaz TTVR system was associated with the consistent elimination of tricuspid regurgitation. In addition, none of the first 20 patients treated with the device required a permanent pacemaker as a result of the procedure.

cardiologists heart doctors

Early TAVR or SAVR in asymptomatic patients linked to improved survival, reduced costs

Researchers explored data from more than 24,000 AVR patients, presenting their findings at EuroPCR in Paris.

robotic heart surgery cardiac surgeon

LVOT modification during robotic mitral valve repair limits complications

While LVOT modification does make these procedures longer, it can help high-risk patients avoid systolic anterior motion.

Medtronic Evolut FX TAVR valve

Medtronic gains a key approval for Evolut TAVR valves

More patients can now undergo redo TAVR with a Medtronic valve than ever before.

Thumbnail

Same-day discharge after TAVR linked to positive outcomes

When low-risk patients undergo transfemoral TAVR, they may be able to go home without spending a single night at the hospital.

Edwards Lifesciences SAPIEN 3 Ultra TAVR valve

Intra-annular TAVR valves from Edwards Lifesciences and Abbott deliver similar 1-year outcomes

Each valve was associated with certain benefits, but one-year outcomes were largely similar. 

PCI interventional cardiology

PCI just as successful when patients have a history of TAVR—but there are some added risks

Strokes and bleeding complications are more likely when PCI patients have already undergone TAVR, according to a new analysis of ACC registry data.

Video interview with Andreas Ruck, MD, explaining a SWEDHEART registry comparison of Acurate Neo2 to Sapien and Evolut TAVR valves.

Cardiologist highlights safety, effectiveness of Boston Scientific TAVR valve

Andreas Ruck, MD, discussed new registry data on Boston Scientific’s Acurate neo2 TAVR valve, comparing it to popular devices from Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic.