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.

World’s most populous country gains access to Medtronic’s newest TAVR valve
Medtronic developed the self-expanding Evolut FX+ TAVR system with improved coronary access in mind. The FDA-approved device has now officially launched in India.
New registry helps hospitals expand outpatient services for heart patients
The initiation of the ACC Ambulatory Surgical Center Registry comes at a time when hospitals are expanding their structural heart programs. The registry is providing valuable details about which patients should stay at the hospital and which can be treated in an outpatient setting.
TAVR still a safe option for patients with nickel allergies
More research is still needed, as this study only included data from a small number of patients, but TAVR was not linked to any severe adverse events or allergic reactions.
Why patient selection is so important when performing M-TEER
As mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair continues to gain momentum in the United States, a new study of CMS data examines what happens to patient outcomes when the procedure fails.
Advances in electrosurgical techniques have helped thousands of transcatheter valve patients
Toby Rogers, MD, associate professor of medicine at Georgetown University and an interventional cardiologist at MedStar, explains how electrosurgical procedures for transcaval access have helped large numbers of patients receive transcatheter heart valves who otherwise would have been disqualified due to anatomical issues.

Preventing blood clots after TMVR—what is the best anticoagulant for the job?

Choosing between DOACs and VKAs could make a significant impact on patient outcomes, according to new findings published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

TAVR after mitral valve replacement linked to positive outcomes, but heart teams must plan ahead

Researchers in India performed TAVR on two relatively young patients with a preexisting mechanical mitral valve, sharing their experience in a new case report. The group highlighted the importance of planning ahead.

Bravery of Andes plane crash survivor, now a pediatric cardiologist, on display in Netflix film ‘Society of the Snow’

Cardiologist Roberto Canessa, MD, was just 19 when the plane he was on—Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571—crashed in the Andes in 1972. He and another survivor trekked in the cold for 38 miles to find help, leading to the group's rescue.

New expert guidelines: Start PHV evaluations with echocardiography, but other imaging modalities can provide value

New guidelines from the American Society of Echocardiography, made in collaboration with the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, represent an update of the group's original recommendations from 2009.

Occlutech gains FDA approval for occluder device for atrial septal defects

According to CEO Sabine Bois, a veteran of the medical device industry, this approval represents a "significant leap forward" in the company's commitment to heart patients.

Self-expanding TAVR system with new sealing cuff linked to high success rate, favorable outcomes

The valve, designed with a new-look sealing cuff for limiting paravalvular regurgitation, gained FDA approval in January 2023.

TAVR patients face a higher risk of stroke for up to 2 years

A majority of strokes after TAVR occur in the first 48 hours, but patients remain at a significantly higher risk for much longer.

Endocarditis after SAVR more likely with bovine valves

Researchers examined data from more than 21,000 patients treated from 1997 to 2018, publishing their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Structural Heart Disease

World’s most populous country gains access to Medtronic’s newest TAVR valve

New registry helps hospitals expand outpatient services for heart patients

TAVR still a safe option for patients with nickel allergies

Why patient selection is so important when performing M-TEER

Advances in electrosurgical techniques have helped thousands of transcatheter valve patients