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.

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.
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.
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 gains a key approval for Evolut TAVR valves
More patients can now undergo redo TAVR with a Medtronic valve than ever before.
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.

Raj Makkar, MD, director, interventional cardiology, director, Interventional Cardiology Research Program and professor of medicine, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Hospital, presented the late-breaking Align-AR clinical trial at ACC 2025 on the first 500 patients treated for aortic regurgitation using the Jena Valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) device.

First 500 patients in Align-AR trial using TAVR for pure aortic regurgitation show strong outcomes

Raj Makkar, MD, Cedars-Sinai, explains the late-breaking data from the Align-AR trial on the first 500 patients treated for aortic regurgitation using the Jena Valve TAVR device.

The Agitation Solutions Orbis Microbubble Generator simplifies and streamlines the process of saline agitation and delivery for cardiac bubble studies using a single use syringe. It is was cleared for use in Canada in 2024.

Right heart cardiac ultrasound contrast agent for shunts enters U.S. trial

Currently there are no FDA cleared echocardiography contrast agents commercially available for use on the right side of the heart to detect shunts, but a new agent that promises to improve workflow and imaging is about to enter a U.S. trial.

Michael Reardon, MD, explained the low-risk Evolut 5-year results of TAVR vs. SAVR at ACC 2025. #ACC #ACC25 #ACC2025

5-year Evolut Low Risk Data: Durable clinical outcomes, outstanding valve performance

Sponsored by Medtronic

The late-breaking five-year results of the Evolut Low-Risk Trial presented at ACC.25 showed positive results for the Evolut TAVR system when compared to SAVR.

Deaths after TAVR are on the rise: Is the pandemic to blame or should cardiologists be concerned?

COVID-19 may help explain the increased rates of cardiac and noncardiac mortality among TAVR patients, but there are several other factors to consider as well. Researchers explored nearly 11 years of STS/ACC registry data to learn more.

Venus-PowerX TAVR valve developed by Venus MedTech

Cardiologists perform world’s first TAVR procedures with new fully retrievable valve

Researchers detailed their experience performing the very first TAVR procedures with the Venus-PowerX TAVR valve from Venus MedTech. The valve includes a wire-controlled mechanism that makes it possible to recapture after full deployment.

A simple way to ensure more heart patients with severe AS receive the care they need

Sending helpful alerts through email and the electronic health record can make a significant impact on patient care, according to new data presented at ACC.25 and published in Circulation.

Patients requiring a permanent pacemaker after TAVR face higher long-term risk of death

As TAVR continues to grow in popularity, researchers noted, it becomes more and more important to know how different complications impact long-term outcomes.

Abbott has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its TriClip transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system designed to treat tricuspid regurgitation (TR).

CMS proposes Medicare coverage for T-TEER

CMS has proposed covering tricuspid TEER for patients who present with symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation despite optimal medical therapy. The agency still has questions about the available data, however, and is seeking public comments as it makes its final decision.

Structural Heart Disease

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

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

LVOT modification during robotic mitral valve repair limits complications

Medtronic gains a key approval for Evolut TAVR valves

Same-day discharge after TAVR linked to positive outcomes