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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GAO says FDA needs stricter policies for some device approvals, recalls

A report conducted this month by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the FDA may need a more stringent process for device approval, particularly for high-risk devices such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and implantable hip joints.

Feature: Marathon runners not immune to sudden cardiac arrest

Each year, between Hopkinton, Mass. and Boston, more than 20,000 runners pack the streets to complete the 26.2-mile Boston marathon course. But, what happens when a cardiac event takes place?

ACC: Wearable external defibrillators can prevent SCD

Research presented during a poster presentation at this years American College of Cardiology (ACC) scientific sessions showed that wearable external defibrillators are safe and effective devices for preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD) caused by lethal tachyarrhythmia.

$10M grant to place AEDs in Canadian hockey rinks/rec centers

Canadas Prime Minister Stephen Harper has initiated a $10 million plan to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in hockey arenas and recreation centers across Canada.

Study: Brief AED training can improve results

While automated external defibrillator (AED) training is not necessary for use, even a brief training session can enhance use and improve shock delivery and electrode pad placement, according to research published online April 1 in Resuscitation.

Study PROVEs IT--Intensive statin therapy beneficial for both men and women

Results of a subgroup analysis of the PROVE IT-TIMI 22 trial showed that despite the fact that the effectiveness of statins in women has been questioned, both sexes benefit from intensive statin therapy after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), according to the studys results published online April 12 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

EMA: Medicinal product committee offers 'positive opinion' for Pradaxa

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use put forth a positive opinion last week about the use of dabigatran for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in atrial fibrillation patients, basing the statement on RE-LY trial results published in November that showed dabigatran had similar outcomes to warfarin.

ACC: Apo-B synthesis inhibitor can significantly reduce LDL-C levels

Results of a Phase 3 trial showed that in patients with severe heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH), mipomersen reduced LDL-C levels by 36 percent, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology in New Orleans.

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