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.

Myval TAVR valve associated with positive durability data after 4 years
Researchers have been spending more and more time evaluating the Myval TAVR valve from Indian medtech company Meril Life Sciences. The balloon-expandable device is available in some parts of the world, but not the United States.
Medicare now covers TriClip procedures for patients with symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation
CMS has finalized a new national coverage determination for T-TEER, sometimes known as transcatheter tricuspid valve repair. Abbott's TriClip is the only device approved by the FDA for T-TEER, but other treatment options are under development.
New TAVR valve from MiRus linked to positive early outcomes
The Siegel TAVR valve includes no nickel or cobalt. In fact, its frame was built using special alloys specifically developed by MiRus.
Cusp overlap technique improves TAVR outcomes, new meta-analysis confirms
The new study, based on 14 different clinical trials, highlights why so many care teams have already adopted the cusp overlap technique when implanting self-expanding TAVR valves.
At a crossroads: Surgical heart valve innovation slows as transcatheter treatments keep evolving
Has the success of TAVR and other interventional techniques had a negative impact on surgical valve innovation? Two surgeons shared their concerns in a new commentary.

How depression, cognitive dysfunction impact long-term TAVR outcomes

Both conditions are fairly common in patients who undergo TAVR. Is this something cardiologists should be keeping in mind?

FDA announces recall of nearly 8,000 Impella blood pumps due to risk of injury or death in TAVR patients

There have been 30 complaints so far about this issue, including 26 injuries and four deaths.

Abbott recalls delivery sheath for LAA occluder device after 16 injuries

The FDA has categorized this as a Class I recall, which means using the devices “may cause serious injuries or death.”

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

Atrial fibrillation after TAVR linked to much higher risk of death, heart failure

Researchers tracked data from nearly 7,000 TAVR patients for two years, focusing on all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalizations.

Matt Martinez, MD, Morristown Medical Center HCM program, explains how hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patient management is changing.

Exercise plays a key part in HCM management

Matthew Martinez, MD, detailed the many ways HCM care management is changing during an exclusive interview at ASE 2023.

Permanent pacemakers after TAVR: Tracking the impact of modern self-expanding valves

Researchers explored data from more than 3,000 TAVR patients, presenting their results in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

K-Clip annuloplasty system for tricuspid regurgitation by Shanghai Huihe Medical Technology Co.

Cardiologists detail world's first use of new annuloplasty system for tricuspid regurgitation

Early data suggest the new transcatheter tricuspid valve repair device could make a big impact on patient care, but additional research is still necessary.

Image of a bioprosthetic valve within the RVOT from the SCCT's congenital heart disease guidelines

SCCT shares new recommendations on use of CT imaging to guide congenital heart disease treatment

The group collaborated with two other medical societies, SCAI and CHSS, on the expert consensus document.

Structural Heart Disease

Myval TAVR valve associated with positive durability data after 4 years

Medicare now covers TriClip procedures for patients with symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation

New TAVR valve from MiRus linked to positive early outcomes

Cusp overlap technique improves TAVR outcomes, new meta-analysis confirms

At a crossroads: Surgical heart valve innovation slows as transcatheter treatments keep evolving