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

Medtronic’s next-generation TAVR device receives CE mark approval

The Evolut FX+ TAVR system, which already received FDA approval in March, was designed with improved coronary access in mind. One cardiologist described the device as a "significant step forward" for patients with heart disease. 

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

TAVR survival is down in recent years, leaving cardiologists stumped

Researchers tracked recent TAVR data from the STS/ACC TVT Registry, highlighting a "concerning" finding they were unable to explain.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology won a $50,000 award to help commercialize its 3D printed, polymeric auxetic stent to treat pediatric aortic coarctation. It is bioresorbable so the patient can continue to grow without the need for as many reinterventions.

Pediatric cardiology device competition introduces world to new technologies

Most cardiac devices do not fit young children, making it especially important for growth in pediatric cardiology to continue. The FDA helped fund a contest aimed at identifying new devices that show a ton of potential. 

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Predicting vascular complications during TAVR just got a little easier

A new risk score shows potential to help cardiologists predict the risk of some TAVR complications before they happen, guiding important treatment decisions.

artificial intelligence in cardiology

FDA grants AI-powered ECG screening tool for aortic stenosis its breakthrough device designation

The FDA clearly sees significant potential in this new screening software from New York-based AccurKardia.

An FDA panel will discuss its recommendations related to Abbott's TriClip G4 transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system for tricuspid regurgitation.

CMS considers Medicare coverage options for tricuspid valve repair at Abbott’s request

CMS is now accepting public comments on this topic until Nov. 2. A final decision is expected by July 2025.

LAMPOON before TMVR improves symptoms without complications, long-term data confirm

LVOT obstruction remains a significant complication of TMVR, making the long-term safety and effectiveness of the LAMPOON technique a hot topic in interventional cardiology.

Performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the J-Valve transcatheter heart valve (THV) may help limit the risk of coronary artery obstruction (CAO) in high-risk patients, according to a new study published in Clinical Interventions in Aging.[1]

New-look TAVR valve recently acquired by Edwards may reduce risk of coronary obstruction

Early data suggest the J-Valve transcatheter heart valve could help care teams avoid a rare, but often fatal TAVR complication when treating high-risk patients.