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.

JenaValve raises $62.5 million in venture funding

JenaValve Technology, Inc., a privately-held, venture-backed developer, manufacturer and marketer of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) systems for the treatment of aortic valve disease, announced today that it has raised $62.5 million in a Series C venture round.

July 24, 2013

The Heart of Leonardo

A new book, The Heart of Leonardo, features all of Leonardo's drawings on the heart and its physiology, accompanied by translations of his accompanying notes.

July 18, 2013

Mutation as muse

Inspired by a genetic mutation that keeps low-density lipoprotein levels extremely low, three pharmaceutical companies are developing cholesterol drugs that mimic the trait. The New York Times described how drug makers are scurrying to get these potential blockbusters to market.

July 10, 2013

Saint Luke's expands cardio wellness center services with opening of new Charles & Barbara Duboc Cardio Health & Wellness Center at Saint Luke's Hospital

The Charles & Barbara Duboc Cardio Health & Wellness Center is ushering in a new era for preventive cardiac care at Saint Luke's Hospital..

July 8, 2013

American Heart Association honors Mount Sinai’s Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, for his global leadership

The American Heart Association (AHA) has awarded world-renowned cardiologist Dr. Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, Director of Mount Sinai Heart at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, its prominent American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Ron Haddock International Impact Award.

July 1, 2013

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics collaborates on bipartisan Medicare bill to treat and reduce obesity

A promising bipartisan bill that increases vital access and reimbursement for obesity screening and counseling services has been introduced in Congress, thanks in part to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

June 20, 2013

Bioengineered vein: A first in U.S.

Vascular surgeon Jeffrey H. Lawson, MD, PhD, implanted a bioengineered vein graft June 5 in a patient with end-stage kidney disease in a two-hour procedure at Duke University Hospital in Durham. The operation launches the U.S. trial of the human cell-based product that Lawson helped develop. If the bioengineered veins prove beneficial for hemodialysis patients, then they may try to develop a graft for heart bypass surgeries.

June 7, 2013

Avandia: The sequel

The New York Times set the stage for the upcoming FDA meeting that revisits GlaxoSmithKline’s diabetes drug, rosiglitazone (Avandia). The FDA said it is trying to “resolve uncertainty” about the drug, which has been limited based on concerns about heightened cardiovascular risk.   

June 3, 2013

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."

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup