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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

TAVR patients with cancer face higher risks of hospital readmission, serious bleeding

Short-term mortality, however, does not appear to change when TAVR patients present with active cancer.

November 1, 2023

Video of Michael Reardon, MD, explaining details from the Evolute Low Risk 4-year results at TCT 2023.

TAVR triumphs over surgery: Exploring 4-year data from the Evolut Low Risk trial

Michael Reardon, MD, discussed his team's late-breaking results at TCT 2023 in San Francisco.

October 30, 2023

The Evoque transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) system for tricuspid regurgitation from Edwards Lifesciences. The Evoque is the first transcatheter tricuspid valve approved by the FDA. It is the first TTVR cleared in the U.S.

More good news for Edwards: ‘Landmark study’ confirms new TTVR system reduces tricuspid regurgitation, improves symptoms

New data presented at TCT 2023 suggest the Evoque tricuspid valve replacement system could make a significant impact on the lives of patients with severe TR.

October 27, 2023

HeartPoint Global Shark Tank Intellistent

New pediatric interventional device for PAH wins ‘Shark Tank’ event at TCT 2023

The first-place finish earned HeartPoint Global $20,000 in prize money.

October 26, 2023

PARTNER 3, Evolut and more: TAVR takes the spotlight in 4 late-breaking clinical trials at TCT 2023

All eyes were on TAVR during the first round of late-breaking clinical trials at TCT 2023 in San Francisco. Researchers shared key updates related to devices from Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, Boston Scientific and JenaValve Technology.

October 25, 2023

Akhil Narang, MD, director of the echocardiography laboratory at Northwestern Medicine explains the latest trends in structural heart interventional imaging. #ASE #ASE23 #ASE2023 #structuralheart #echofirst

The evolving roles of TEE and ICE in structural heart interventions

Akhil Narang, MD, explained that the two technologies can be used together to deliver high-quality patient care.

October 23, 2023

Edwards Lifesciences gained European CE mark approval for Evoque transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) system.

Edwards gains CE mark approval for new tricuspid valve replacement device

The approval represents a significant moment in the treatment of structural heart disease. Edwards will share updated data on the device at TCT 2023 in San Francisco.

October 19, 2023

While a vast majority of heart transplants in the United States are successful, unplanned hospitalizations after the procedures are still incredibly common. Top 10 reasons for readmission after heart transplant.

SAVR associated with ‘excellent’ long-term survival rates, new research confirms

Even as TAVR continues to build momentum as the go-to treatment option for many patients, researchers are keeping a close eye on the long-term safety and effectiveness of SAVR.

October 18, 2023

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Structural Heart Disease

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

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

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

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

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

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