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.

Virtual reality (VR) can help cardiologists plan for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures and predict the presence and severity of post-TAVR paravalvular leak (PVL), according to new research published in the Journal of Invasive Cardiology.[1]

VR before TAVR predicts paravalvular leak in high-risk patients

Performing virtual reality simulations before TAVR may help cardiologists anticipate when PVL could be an issue in patients with severe BAV AS.

Hoping to improve care for these patients, Hermann et al. turned to the ŌNŌ retrieval system, a catheter-delivered device cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2022. The device was developed by Ōnōcor, a U.S. healthcare startup with roots in the Penn Center for Innovation.

Cardiologists are first in world to remove unstable Watchman devices with FDA-cleared retrieval system

A team of specialists in Houston made history, using the new-look device to treat three patients over the age of 80. The group shared its experience in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.

Sapien 3 Ultra Resilia TAVR valves

Edwards, Abbott share updated TAVR data at CRT 2024

Some of the world’s biggest names in interventional cardiology and structural heart disease gathered in Washington, D.C., for the four-day event. 

With a growing shortage of cardiologists in the U.S., there is growing interest recruiting more clinicians from overseas. But there are barriers to this, approach explained Abdel Almanfi, MD, FACC, FSCAI, a structural heart interventional cardiologist at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center in Houston, Texas. He spoke with Cardiovascular Business and shared his journey from Libya to the United States, shedding light on the challenges foreign doctors face in realizing their dreams of practicing in America.

Cardiologist shares his long journey from Libya to United States

Abdel Almanfi, MD, went through years of training in Libya, but then he had to start over once he landed in the United States. 

Medtronic's Evolut Pro TAVR valve treating aortic stenosis

TAVR vs. SAVR: Medtronic’s Evolut platform linked to cost savings, key benefits for low-risk patients

Two new studies evaluated the long-term impact of choosing TAVR when low-risk patients present with severe aortic stenosis. 

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.

Thumbnail

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. 

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. 

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup