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.

Real-world data favor SAVR over TAVR when younger patients need aortic valve replacement
Researchers in Italy tracked data from more than 7,000 patients who underwent AVR between the ages of 65 and 80. TAVR was associated with a significantly higher long-term risk of mortality.
Heart patients benefit when cardiologists follow a standardized TAVR protocol
Using a standardized approach, including the cusp overlap technique, is associated with improved patient outcomes when implanting Medtronic's self-expanding TAVR valves. Researchers tracked data from more than 600 patients treated all over the world, presenting their findings in JSCAI.
SCAI celebrates legacies of pioneer pediatric cardiologists
Five veteran clinicians have been recognized for their lasting impact on the field of pediatric cardiology.
How anticoagulants may impact a patient’s risk of gastrointestinal bleeding after TAVR
Researchers tracked the rates of major gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with AFib randomized to receive edoxaban or a vitamin K antagonist after a successful TAVR procedure.
Boston Scientific pulls plug on TAVR devices after failing to gain FDA approval
After years of trying to catch up with the competition, Boston Scientific is moving on. The company is no longer seeking approval from the FDA or any other regulatory agencies for these devices, and all global sales have been discontinued.

PCI before TAVR fails to improve patient outcomes

“Our results beg the question of whether pre-TAVR baseline coronary angiography is even necessary,” researchers wrote in the American Journal of Cardiology.

Arzhang Fallahi, MD, and David Hsi, MD, discussing imaging-based aortic stenosis screening

Q&A: Cardiologists explore the potential impact of a screening program for aortic stenosis

We already screen patients for breast cancer and lung cancer on a regular basis. Why not establish screening programs for aortic stenosis?

Boston Scientific has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its Watchman FLX Pro left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) device

Boston Scientific gains FDA approval for Watchman FLX Pro LAAC device

This represents the latest iteration of the Watchman technology, which was first approved by the FDA back in 2020.

Bleeding events after TAVR: An updated look at a serious side effect

Researchers explored data from more than 2,300 patients, categorizing all bleeding events based on updated VARC-3 definitions. The team's final analysis was published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

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Delirium after TAVR: A common side effect linked to increased mortality

Temporary changes in cognition, including disorganized thinking, are seen in a significant number of patients following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Confirmed: Redo TAVR with balloon-expandable valves is safe and effective

The study, based on STS/ACC registry data, represents a collaboration between several leading TAVR specialists.

CTA images before TAVR to screen for coronary artery disease

Cardiac CT before TAVR detects CAD with high accuracy, suggesting a reduced need for invasive imaging

New research from a team of specialists at Cleveland Clinic included data from more than 2,000 TAVR patients.

How monitoring MR can help cardiologists anticipate TAVR outcomes in patients with low-flow, low-gradient AS

Researchers uncovered new details about how mitral regurgitation can impact one-year TAVR outcomes, sharing their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Structural Heart Disease

Real-world data favor SAVR over TAVR when younger patients need aortic valve replacement

Heart patients benefit when cardiologists follow a standardized TAVR protocol

SCAI celebrates legacies of pioneer pediatric cardiologists

How anticoagulants may impact a patient’s risk of gastrointestinal bleeding after TAVR

Boston Scientific pulls plug on TAVR devices after failing to gain FDA approval