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.

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare. Sex differences in TAVR one-year mortality.

Anticoagulants after TAVR: 5-year survival data favor DOACs over VKAs

However, that one finding does not tell the whole story. Researchers also found that DOACs may increase a TAVR patient's risk of a disabling stroke.

February 15, 2024
An FDA panel will discuss its recommendations related to Abbott's TriClip G4 transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system for tricuspid regurgitation.

FDA advisory panel votes in favor of Abbott’s TriClip device for tricuspid regurgitation

After hours of discussion, the panel determined that the benefits of using the TriClip G4 TEER system to treat TR outweigh any potential risks. 

February 14, 2024
An FDA panel will discuss its recommendations related to Abbott's TriClip G4 transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system for tricuspid regurgitation.

FDA panel to consider Abbott’s TriClip device for tricuspid regurgitation

The panel's decision will be based on data from the TRILUMINATE study, which was ultimately positive for Abbott, but did lead to certain questions about patient outcomes.

February 13, 2024
AI cardiology heart artificial intelligence deep learning

AI could be a game-changer for TAVR, but cardiologists remain ‘irreplaceable’

The rise of TAVR as a go-to treatment option for many AS patients has been one of the biggest stories in cardiology for several years now. How will advanced AI models impact this trend going forward? 

February 12, 2024
doctor examines patient data on their tablet

TAVR vs. SAVR after 10 years: Similar safety risks, but researchers uncover several key differences

TAVR continues to gain momentum as a go-to treatment option for severe AS, making it more important than ever to investigate long-term outcomes. This latest analysis, published in European Heart Journal, focused on 280 patients randomized to undergo either transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement.

February 7, 2024
FDA approved the first transcatheter tricuspid valve (TTVR) replacement device in February 2024, the EVOQUE system from Edwards Lifesciences. The Evoque is the first transcatheter tricuspid valve approved by the FDA. The Evoke the first transcatheter tricuspid cleared in the United States.

Edwards makes history, receives FDA approval for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement device

The approval, based on positive results from the TRISCEND II trial, represents a significant milestone for the treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation. 

February 2, 2024
Philips received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for a compact transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) ultrasound transducer. The X11-4t Mini 3D TEE transducer was designed to improve image quality when evaluating certain patient populations, including pediatric patients and adults who present with a heightened risk of complications.

FDA clears smaller 3D TEE transducer for imaging children, high-risk adult patients

The newly approved device is much smaller than previous offerings, helping operators capture 3D images during structural heart evaluations. 

January 31, 2024
According to the U.S. government, Asante Health System and one of its surgeons knowingly submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE for more than six years. Heart surgery surgeons.

SAVR in the TAVR era: Volumes are down, but it remains the go-to choice for certain patient populations

Annual SAVR volumes in the United States decreased by a whopping 44.5% from 2012 to 2022. However, heart teams across the country seem to agree that surgery is a safer, more effective treatment option than TAVR when patients present with bicuspid aortic valves. 

January 30, 2024

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