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.

Abbott's Tendyne device for transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). Image courtesy of Abbott

TMVR vs. mitral valve surgery: Tendyne linked to improved survival in elderly patients

New data out of Germany suggest TMVR can offer intermediate-risk patients a safe alternative to surgery.

March 6, 2024

Permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVR increases healthcare costs by $24,000 per patient

Researchers say their new analysis, based on five years of U.S. data, highlights just how important it is to keep post-TAVR PPMI rates to a minimum. 

March 5, 2024
Newsweek ranked the 50 best heart hospitals in the world

Cardiologist at heart of TAVR controversy loses hospital privileges due to ‘disruptive,’ ‘inexplicable’ behavior

The doctor appealed the hospital's decision in hopes of returning to work, but that appeal was ultimately denied. 

February 28, 2024
Carrie Redick RN MSN NEA-BC, director of interventional cardiology and structural heart, Morristown Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, explains the need for financial literacy among structural heart program directors at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular therapeutics (TCT) 2023 meeting.

Why financial literacy is so important for structural heart program directors

Carrie Redick, an ICU nurse for nearly 20 years, said understanding more about financial data improved her ability to acquire funding and other resources for her program when necessary. 

February 27, 2024
Using the Sentinel cerebral protection device during valve-in-valve TAVR is associated with significant clinical improvements.

Cerebral protection devices during valve-in-valve TAVR: Cleveland Clinic cardiologists identify key benefits

Cerebral protection devices, designed to limit the risk of stroke during transcatheter aortic valve replacement, may be especially helpful when patients undergo valve-in-valve TAVR.

February 26, 2024
Ismail El-Hamamsy, MD, PhD, has been named the new president of the Heart Valve Society

Mount Sinai surgeon named new president of Heart Valve Society

Ismail El-Hamamsy, MD, PhD, said he hopes to spend his time as HVS president focused on fostering collaborations and encouraging innovation.

February 23, 2024
Judge bangs gavel

Lawsuit resolved after cardiologist alleged he was fired over TAVR safety concerns

The veteran cardiologist had been worried that cerebral protection devices were only being used to treat TAVR patients with specific insurance plans. The lawsuit has now been resolved to the “mutual satisfaction” of both parties.

February 23, 2024
Alain Cribier, MD, a veteran interventional cardiologist known for performing the very first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), died on Feb. 16. He was 79 years old.

Cardiology pioneer, known for performing world’s first TAVR, remembered as a ‘true visionary’

Alain Cribier, MD, a veteran interventional cardiologist out of France, died at the age of 79. The procedure he helped put on the map is arguably cardiology's most significant breakthrough in the last several decades. 

February 22, 2024

Around the web

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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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