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.

Registry data point to ‘striking shift’ in treatment decisions after FDA approved low-risk TAVR
Many experts still recommend SAVR over TAVR for patients younger than 65 years old with severe aortic stenosis. However, transcatheter treatments are growing more and more popular when these younger patients require a valve replacement.
Gore completes acquisition of medtech company behind next-gen heart device
Gore has officially acquired Conformal Medical, the company known for an investigational LAAO device that uses a proprietary foam implant. The transaction was first announced in January.
Cardiologist develops new heart device that uses gel to reduce stroke risk in AFib patients
After years of implanting and studying LAAO devices, an interventional cardiologist with the University of Chicago has designed a new alternative that could reduce the risk of bleeding and save health systems money.
Medtronic reports rising sales for cardiovascular devices—PFA tech leads the way
Medtronic's third quarter included a boom in PFA sales and a significant investment in Anteris Technologies. CEO Geoff Martha said the company hopes to make an even bigger impact in the structural heart space as time goes on.
TAVR linked to higher reintervention rate than SAVR in Evolut Low Risk trial update
The Evolut Low Risk trial has been one of cardiology’s most closely watched studies for years now. For the first five years after treatment, TAVR and SAVR were associated with comparable outcomes when treating low-risk patients. In this new six-year update, however, TAVR was linked to a heightened risk of reintervention not seen with SAVR.

M&A mergers and acquisitions business deal

W. L. Gore & Associates to acquire medtech company behind foam-based LAAO system

Conformal Medical developed its CLAAS technology to help patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation reduce their risk of stroke without the use of anticoagulants. Back in August, the company raised $32 million to help ramp up research on the device.

FDA approves TMVR system from Edwards Lifesciences for high-risk heart patients

The Sapien M3 transcatheter mitral valve replacement system is implanted using a transseptal approach. The device previously received CE mark approval in 2025.

Abbott has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance and CE mark approval for its Amplatzer Piccolo Delivery System.

FDA clears Abbott delivery device for closing holes in the hearts of premature infants

Cardiologists now have a new tool to assist with PDA closure in these vulnerable patients.

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TAVR or SAVR? Market competition may be influencing these decisions

Hospitals located in more competitive markets may be more likely to perform TAVR instead of SAVR, according to a new analysis of more than 130,000 patients. Is this a reason for concern?

cardiologists going through the certification process

CMS considers Medicare coverage for TAVR in asymptomatic patients

After an official request from Edwards Lifesciences, CMS is rethinking its coverage policy for the use of TAVR to treat asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. The agency is accepting public comments on this topic until Jan. 14.

Newest TAVR valve from Edwards Lifesciences improves survival, real-world data confirm

A fifth-generation TAVR valve from Edwards Lifesciences was associated with improved outcomes compared to the device's predecessors in a new real-world analysis out of Cedars Sinai.

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Women are more likely to have severe aortic stenosis missed on echocardiography results

Three out of four TTEs are being ordered by clinicians who are not cardiologists. Could this be having a negative impact on patient care?

M-TEER still beneficial for high-risk patients with smaller mitral valve areas

Mitral valve surgery can be especially challenging when patients present with a small mitral valve area. When it comes to M-TEER, however, treatment still appears to be both safe and effective.

Structural Heart Disease

Registry data point to ‘striking shift’ in treatment decisions after FDA approved low-risk TAVR

Gore completes acquisition of medtech company behind next-gen heart device

Cardiologist develops new heart device that uses gel to reduce stroke risk in AFib patients

Medtronic reports rising sales for cardiovascular devices—PFA tech leads the way

TAVR linked to higher reintervention rate than SAVR in Evolut Low Risk trial update