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.

doctor examines patient data on their tablet

Moderate aortic stenosis linked to heightened risk of death—should TAVR, surgery be considered?

Researchers tracked data from more than 400,000 patients for a new meta-analysis, presenting their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

May 6, 2024
Interventional cardiologist James B. Hermiller, MD, is officially the new president of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) form 2024-2025. #SCAI #SCAI24 #SCAI2024.

SCAI president begins term on optimistic note: ‘Our field’s future is brighter than ever’

Interventional cardiologist James B. Hermiller, MD, officially assumed the position at the end of SCAI 2024 Scientific Sessions.

May 6, 2024
The DurAVR TAVR system from Anteris Technologies. A new biomimetic transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system from Anteris Technologies could provide cardiologists with a new way to treat severe aortic stenosis (AS), according to new one-year data presented at SCAI 2024 Scientific Sessions, the annual meeting of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI). The DurAVR TAVR system, made from a single piece of anti-calcification ADAPT tissue patented by Anteris.

New-look TAVR valve shows early promise in patients with severe AS

One-year data presented at SCAI's annual meeting suggest interventional cardiologists could soon have a new way to treat severe aortic stenosis.

May 3, 2024
A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare. Sex differences in TAVR one-year mortality.

TAVR linked to lower stroke risk than SAVR in patients with AS and cardiogenic shock

TAVR is also associated with a lower risk of acute kidney injury in this patient population. In-hospital mortality rates, however, are similar between the two treatment options. 

May 3, 2024
Cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists in China have completed the very first-in-man robot-assisted transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER). It was guided entirely with echo and completed in less than 40 minutes in China. (A)Three-compartment of robotic transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system.

Cardiologists and surgeons perform world’s first robot-assisted TEER

A 62-year-old women presented with severe MR and recurrent heart failure episodes. Initial data suggest the procedure was a success.

May 2, 2024
Illustration of cardiologists going through the certification process. American College of Cardiology President B. Hadley Wilson, MD, discussed why the ACC and other leading cardiology groups are so eager to create a new, independent medical board. This has been a long-term goal for many years, he said, and now it may become a reality. 

SCAI 2024 Scientific Sessions to focus on TAVR, PAD and other key trends in interventional cardiology

Interventional cardiologists from all over the world will gather for three days of educational sessions, late-breaking presentations, live cases and more. The festivities begin Thursday, May 2, in Long Beach, California. 

April 30, 2024
doctor patient discharge after heart surgery

Next-day discharge after TAVR with a self-expanding valve: 4 key takeaways

Researchers explored STS/ACR data from nearly 30,000 TAVR patients, presenting their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association

April 30, 2024
surgeons operating

Society of Thoracic Surgeons launches new risk calculators for SAVR after TAVR, other key heart surgeries

STS risk calculators are known as a go-to resource for cardiologists, surgeons and any other healthcare providers who manage the care of heart patients. 

April 26, 2024

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