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.

Framingham study braces for cuts

Boston University’s BU Today reported that the 65-year-old Framingham Heart Study will lose $4 million in federal funding under the sequester, forcing the layoffs of 19 staffers in November.  In a video, Boston University biomedical engineer Ahmad S. Khalil, PhD, argues against the cuts on ScienceWorksforUS.org.

August 23, 2013

Kenneth Bernstein, M.D., receives Distinguished Scientist designation from American Heart Association

Kenneth Bernstein, MD, a Cedars-Sinai pathologist and scientific researcher known for expanding the understanding of a collection of proteins important in controlling blood pressure as well as heart and renal diseases, has been named a 2013 Distinguished Scientist by the American Heart Association.

August 21, 2013

Bioheart, Inc.'s President / CEO Mike Tomas appointed to workforce Florida board of directors by Governor Rick Scott

Bioheart, Inc. (OTCQB: BHRT) announced today that Mike Tomas, the company's President/CEO, has been appointed to serve on Workforce Florida's Board of Directors for a four year term by Florida Governor Rick Scott. Tomas is one of 15 Floridians appointed to the Board of Directors. Workforce Florida is charged with overseeing the state's workforce system and developing strategies that will improve the state's business environment while supporting its economy (www.EmployFlorida.com).

August 16, 2013

Mmm mmm, not so good for AHA

Californian Kerry O’Shea has filed a lawsuit against the American Heart Association (AHA) and Campbell Soup in a federal court in New Jersey under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, taking aim at sodium levels in the Healthy Request brand, according to Bloomberg. The soup labels boast AHA’s “Heart-Check Mark” logo.

August 16, 2013

New cardiovascular intensive care unit offers specialized heart care for kids

Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego today celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU).

August 15, 2013

Henry Ford Hospital pioneers new cardiac approach

Doctors at Henry Ford Hospital have created a new route to the heart to implant an artificial heart valve by temporarily connecting major blood vessels that do not normally intersect.

August 14, 2013

Heart Healthy Lubbock: Program receives state award

The Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and Stroke, in conjunction with the CVD & Stroke Program of the Texas Department of State Health Services, will present Healthy Lubbock with the Department of State Health Services 2013 Cardiovascular Health Promotions Award.

August 6, 2013

Cutting-edge pediatric heart treatments

The Wall Street Journal recently featured two pediatric approaches to treat children with congenital heart defects that cause them to be born with only one ventricle. The article and video are below.

August 6, 2013

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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

Around the web