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.

CMS proposes Medicare coverage for T-TEER
CMS has proposed covering tricuspid TEER for patients who present with symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation despite optimal medical therapy. The agency still has questions about the available data, however, and is seeking public comments as it makes its final decision.
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.

Outcomes continue to be favorable for low-risk TAVR patients receiving self-expanding valve

Low-risk transcatheter atortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients with aortic stenosis who receive the Evolut PRO continue to experience outcomes comparable to surgery.

Sapien 3 TAVR outcomes comparable to surgery after 5 years

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the Sapien 3 prosthesis achieved five-year clinical outcomes similar to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Protamine administration during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with a significant reduction in life-threatening and major bleeding complications.

Infective endocarditis after TAVR: 4 key findings from a new study of 7,000 patients

Infective endocarditis is a relatively rare complication of TAVR, but the infection can be fatal when it does strike.

Patient access to TAVR centers: 3 key takeaways from a new study

Do patients in the United States have sufficient access to TAVR centers?

Cardiologist sets sights on improving TAVR outcomes

A new study at the University of Cincinnati aims to find out why some TAVR patients experience clotting issues that can lead to substantial side effects.

Conscious sedation associated with better TAVR outcomes than general anesthesia

The use of conscious sedation during transcatheter aortic valve replacement is associated with better patient outcomes, including a decrease in mortality, than general anesthesia.

TAVR ‘a viable option’ for patients with bicuspid valve disease

TAVR is a safe, effective treatment for patients with bicuspid valves, according to research published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Structural Heart Disease

CMS proposes Medicare coverage for T-TEER

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