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.

transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)

New expert guidelines: Start PHV evaluations with echocardiography, but other imaging modalities can provide value

New guidelines from the American Society of Echocardiography, made in collaboration with the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, represent an update of the group's original recommendations from 2009.

January 9, 2024
Occlutech, a Swedish medical device company focused on structural heart disease, received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in January 2024 for its ASD occluder for the treatment of atrial septal defects (ASDs).

Occlutech gains FDA approval for occluder device for atrial septal defects

According to CEO Sabine Bois, a veteran of the medical device industry, this approval represents a "significant leap forward" in the company's commitment to heart patients. 

January 8, 2024
Navitor TAVR valve in the Abbott booth at TCT 2023. Photo by Dave Fornell

Self-expanding TAVR system with new sealing cuff linked to high success rate, favorable outcomes

The valve, designed with a new-look sealing cuff for limiting paravalvular regurgitation, gained FDA approval in January 2023. 

January 8, 2024
Stroke - head with text

TAVR patients face a higher risk of stroke for up to 2 years

A majority of strokes after TAVR occur in the first 48 hours, but patients remain at a significantly higher risk for much longer. 

January 4, 2024
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Endocarditis after SAVR more likely with bovine valves

Researchers examined data from more than 21,000 patients treated from 1997 to 2018, publishing their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

January 3, 2024
Damaged Organ

Acute kidney injury after TAVR linked to certain risks, but most patients have a full recovery

“These findings are highly pertinent in a clinical setting," researchers explained. 

January 2, 2024
CardioMech mitral valve repair from CardioMech AS, a Norway-based medical device company focused on structural heart disease, has raised $13 million. This new funding is expected to go toward the continued development of CardioMech’s transcatheter mitral valve repair offering for patients presenting with degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR).

Medical device company raises $13M for new mitral valve repair technology

To date, the company has raised $42 million to develop its transcatheter mitral valve repair system.

January 2, 2024
“Undifferentiated Cardiac Sarcoma of the Mitral Valve: Multimodal Imaging Assessment" Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging RSNA

Radiologists select 2023's top images in cardiothoracic imaging

“Cardiothoracic imaging continues to evolve, fueled by technical innovations such as dynamic chest radiography, digital tomosynthesis and dark-field radiography," one radiologist said.

December 21, 2023

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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