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.

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Didier Tchetche, MD, an interventional cardiologist and head of the structural heart disease program at Clinique Pasteur in Toulouse, France, and colleagues combined data from the RHEIA and PARTNER 3 trials into a single comparison of TAVR outcomes in female patients.

TAVR linked to better outcomes than surgery for women, pooled analysis confirms

New research presented at TCT combined data from the RHEIA and PARTNER 3 trials. “TAVR is a good option, and probably the best one, for an elderly woman," cardiologist Anna Sonia Petronio, MD, explained during the conference. 

EARLY TAVR investigator Philippe Généreux, MD, announced his team’s findings in front of a packed audience at TCT 2024.

Treating asymptomatic aortic stenosis with TAVR linked to significant benefits

Attendees cheered as lead investigator Philippe Généreux, MD, shared his team's findings at TCT 2024. “A major reset in our approach to severe asymptomatic AS is now warranted,” one veteran cardiologist said about the data. “The concept of watchful waiting is no longer appropriate."

Medtronic Evolut FX+ TAVR

Medtronic’s next-generation TAVR device receives CE mark approval

The Evolut FX+ TAVR system, which already received FDA approval in March, was designed with improved coronary access in mind. One cardiologist described the device as a "significant step forward" for patients with heart disease. 

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare

TAVR survival is down in recent years, leaving cardiologists stumped

Researchers tracked recent TAVR data from the STS/ACC TVT Registry, highlighting a "concerning" finding they were unable to explain.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology won a $50,000 award to help commercialize its 3D printed, polymeric auxetic stent to treat pediatric aortic coarctation. It is bioresorbable so the patient can continue to grow without the need for as many reinterventions.

Pediatric cardiology device competition introduces world to new technologies

Most cardiac devices do not fit young children, making it especially important for growth in pediatric cardiology to continue. The FDA helped fund a contest aimed at identifying new devices that show a ton of potential. 

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Predicting vascular complications during TAVR just got a little easier

A new risk score shows potential to help cardiologists predict the risk of some TAVR complications before they happen, guiding important treatment decisions.

artificial intelligence in cardiology

FDA grants AI-powered ECG screening tool for aortic stenosis its breakthrough device designation

The FDA clearly sees significant potential in this new screening software from New York-based AccurKardia.

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

CMS considers Medicare coverage options for tricuspid valve repair at Abbott’s request

CMS is now accepting public comments on this topic until Nov. 2. A final decision is expected by July 2025.

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