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.

Myval TAVR valve associated with positive durability data after 4 years
Researchers have been spending more and more time evaluating the Myval TAVR valve from Indian medtech company Meril Life Sciences. The balloon-expandable device is available in some parts of the world, but not the United States.
Medicare now covers TriClip procedures for patients with symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation
CMS has finalized a new national coverage determination for T-TEER, sometimes known as transcatheter tricuspid valve repair. Abbott's TriClip is the only device approved by the FDA for T-TEER, but other treatment options are under development.
New TAVR valve from MiRus linked to positive early outcomes
The Siegel TAVR valve includes no nickel or cobalt. In fact, its frame was built using special alloys specifically developed by MiRus.
Cusp overlap technique improves TAVR outcomes, new meta-analysis confirms
The new study, based on 14 different clinical trials, highlights why so many care teams have already adopted the cusp overlap technique when implanting self-expanding TAVR valves.
At a crossroads: Surgical heart valve innovation slows as transcatheter treatments keep evolving
Has the success of TAVR and other interventional techniques had a negative impact on surgical valve innovation? Two surgeons shared their concerns in a new commentary.

AI cardiology heart artificial intelligence deep learning

AI could be a game-changer for TAVR, but cardiologists remain ‘irreplaceable’

The rise of TAVR as a go-to treatment option for many AS patients has been one of the biggest stories in cardiology for several years now. How will advanced AI models impact this trend going forward?

doctor examines patient data on their tablet

TAVR vs. SAVR after 10 years: Similar safety risks, but researchers uncover several key differences

TAVR continues to gain momentum as a go-to treatment option for severe AS, making it more important than ever to investigate long-term outcomes. This latest analysis, published in European Heart Journal, focused on 280 patients randomized to undergo either transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement.

FDA approves first transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement device, the EVOQUE system from Edwards Lifesciences

Edwards makes history, receives FDA approval for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement device

The approval, based on positive results from the TRISCEND II trial, represents a significant milestone for the treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation.

Royal Philips X11-4t Mini 3D TEE transducer

FDA clears smaller 3D TEE transducer for imaging children, high-risk adult patients

The newly approved device is much smaller than previous offerings, helping operators capture 3D images during structural heart evaluations.

SAVR in the TAVR era: Volumes are down, but it remains the go-to choice for certain patient populations

Annual SAVR volumes in the United States decreased by a whopping 44.5% from 2012 to 2022. However, heart teams across the country seem to agree that surgery is a safer, more effective treatment option than TAVR when patients present with bicuspid aortic valves.

ACC 2023 ACC.23 American College of Cardiology

American College of Cardiology announces late-breaking research for ACC.24 in Atlanta

The group's annual meeting heads to Atlanta this April. TAVR, GLP-1 agonists, medical imaging guidance and blood pressure control are just some of the topics that will be presented during late-breaking sessions.

Heart surgeons alarmed by high number of young patients choosing TAVR over SAVR

Nearly 50% of patients under the age of 60 are now opting for TAVR over SAVR, according to a new study presented at STS 2024 in San Antonio. "We owe it to our patients to take a more prominent role in providing the highest quality evidence to help our patients make these major healthcare decisions," one researcher said.

CroíValve kicks off early feasibility study for new TR device, names cardiologist Martin Leon to advisory board

The company hopes to enroll 15 patients to monitor the safety and effectiveness of its new-look transcatheter device for severe tricuspid regurgitation.

Structural Heart Disease

Myval TAVR valve associated with positive durability data after 4 years

Medicare now covers TriClip procedures for patients with symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation

New TAVR valve from MiRus linked to positive early outcomes

Cusp overlap technique improves TAVR outcomes, new meta-analysis confirms

At a crossroads: Surgical heart valve innovation slows as transcatheter treatments keep evolving