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.

SCAI President Sunil Rao explains what he saw as the top 5 interventional studies at ACC23. #SCAI #ACC #ACC23

5 studies that could make a big impact on interventional cardiology

SCAI President Sunil Rao, MD, spoke with us about some of the key interventional cardiology studies presented at ACC.23 in New Orleans. 

Abbott Epic Max heart valve for aortic valve disease

Abbott’s new surgical solution for aortic valve disease gains FDA approval

The newly approved valve is the latest addition to Abbott’s Epic surgical valve platform.

Images from the consensus document showing the proper left atrial appendage (LAA) sizing assessment for a transcatheter occluder device using transesophageal echo (TEE). Sizing and evaluation for pre-existing thrombus in the LAA also can be performed using cardiac CT.

SCAI and HRS release expert consensus on transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion

One of the new recommendations is to conduct baseline imaging with TEE or cardiac CT.

Example of an FFR-angio image-derived hemodynamic flow model performed tableside in the cath lab reconstructed using three different C-arm contract image acquisitions. This technology from CathWorks, which was recently acquired by Medtronic, can eliminate the need for pressure wires and adenosine to assess FFR pressures. These measurements are used to determine the hemodynamic significance of a stenosis and determine if a stent is necessary or if a patient can be treated medically.

PHOTO GALLERY: ACC.23 in New Orleans

Browse a selection of photos from the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting in New Orleans. The pictures highlight key moments, new technologies and much more from the big show. 

The SAPIEN 3 Ultra (S3U) transcatheter heart valve from Edwards Lifesciences is

Next-generation TAVR valve delivers strong outcomes, reduced PVL after one year

A team of specialists examined new outcomes data related to the SAPIEN 3 Ultra transcatheter heart valve, sharing its findings in EuroIntervention.

Shockwave L6 Peripheral IVL Catheter Shockwave Medical

Shockwave Medical launches new IVL catheter for challenging lesions in US

After its initial release was limited to certain customers, the new-look catheter is now available in four different sizes throughout the United States.

Nurse checking in patient

Structural heart clinics see key benefits from improved referral tracking

Sponsored by Medtronic

Identifying patients with severe aortic stenosis who could potentially benefit from transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is very important—but managing and tracking them over time can be quite a challenge.

Doctor at computer

Data mining helps hospitals identify new patients in need of TAVR, other structural heart procedures

Sponsored by Medtronic

When the ACC and AHA collaborated on new valvular heart disease guidelines in 2020, the two groups highlighted the importance of interventional treatment options such as TAVR. However, an estimated one-third of patients with severe aortic stenosis in the U.S. still lack a guideline-recommended treatment plan.