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.

Key takeaways from ACC.25: Advances in cardiovascular science
Former American College of Cardiology president Hadley Wilson, MD, executive vice chair of Atrium Health Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, explains his main takeaway messages from the ACC 2025 late-breaking trials.
New TAVR research explores adverse outcomes, disease progression in patients with asymptomatic severe AS
Two separate studies at ACC.25 explored data from the EARLY TAVR trial. One analysis included stroke findings that surprised researchers.
Dapagliflozin improves outcomes for elderly TAVR patients with heart failure
The positive data were presented as part of a late-breaking clinical trial at ACC.25 in Chicago. One cardiologist on stage for the presentation said these findings will impact the way he manages certain TAVR patients.
Bringing state-of-the-art healthcare to Florida heart patients
Naples Comprehensive Health is building up what it hopes will be a nationally recognized cardiology program. Robert Cubeddu, MD, and Dee Dee Wang, MD, spoke with Cardiovascular Business about the journey so far.
Cardiologists make case against routine interventions for asymptomatic severe AS
Aortic valve replacement is likely inevitable for patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Immediately performing TAVR or SAVR, however, may not always be the answer.

Just 3.6% of TAVR procedures in the US performed by women

In addition, researchers noted, there were no female specialists performing TAVR in 19 states.

FDA approves next-generation solution for PFO closure

The device was designed to treat patients facing a heightened risk of recurrent stroke.

TAVR and SAVR deliver similar 5-year outcomes for CKD patients

“The choice of intervention in patients with CKD and aortic stenosis is complex and influenced by multiple competing factors," researchers said.

FDA now investigating potential differences in LAAO outcomes among men and women

Recent research published in JAMA Cardiology caught the agency's attention.

Next-day discharge after TAVR is safe and effective, new meta-analysis confirms

Researchers tracked data from six different studies, focusing on the likelihood of potential issues such as bleeding and vascular complications.

TAVR provides comparable value for low-risk patients with bicuspid and tricuspid AS

Researchers examined data from more than 3,000 TAVR procedures performed with balloon-expandable valves.

Surgical explantation after TAVR failure: What cardiologists, and patients, should know

Redo TAVR is not always a feasible treatment option, researchers explained. TAVR explantation can be offered to a larger patient population.

FDA approves 2 new tissue valves for structural heart disease patients

The next-generation devices were designed to be used without blood-thinners.

Structural Heart Disease

Key takeaways from ACC.25: Advances in cardiovascular science

New TAVR research explores adverse outcomes, disease progression in patients with asymptomatic severe AS

Dapagliflozin improves outcomes for elderly TAVR patients with heart failure

Bringing state-of-the-art healthcare to Florida heart patients

Cardiologists make case against routine interventions for asymptomatic severe AS