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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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.

LAMPOON before TMVR improves symptoms without complications, long-term data confirm

LVOT obstruction remains a significant complication of TMVR, making the long-term safety and effectiveness of the LAMPOON technique a hot topic in interventional cardiology.

Performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the J-Valve transcatheter heart valve (THV) may help limit the risk of coronary artery obstruction (CAO) in high-risk patients, according to a new study published in Clinical Interventions in Aging.[1]

New-look TAVR valve recently acquired by Edwards may reduce risk of coronary obstruction

Early data suggest the J-Valve transcatheter heart valve could help care teams avoid a rare, but often fatal TAVR complication when treating high-risk patients. 

Pi-Cardia ShortCut TAVR device

FDA clears new device for valve-in-valve TAVR patients at risk of coronary obstruction

ShortCut, which gained the FDA’s breakthrough device designation back in January, is used to split valve leaflets and reduce the risk of obstruction.

A TAVR procedure being performed at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. These structural heart procedures require a team approach.

Reduced LVEF before TAVR linked to lower long-term survival rate

Heart teams already view reduced LVEF as a potential risk factor, but research into its long-term impact on patient outcomes has been limited. 

cardiologist viewing heart data

Long-term survival after valve-in-valve TAVR similar with self-expanding, balloon-expandable valves

Severe prosthesis-patient mismatch was more common with balloon-expandable valves, but that difference did not appear to impact outcomes. 

cardiologist patient heart compensation starting salary 2022 interventional cardiologist

LBBAP limits hospital readmissions after TAVR

Left bundle branch area pacing is associated with better long-term outcomes than traditional right ventricular pacing when patients require PPMI after TAVR, according to new research in Heart Rhythm. 

heart surgery surgeons

SAVR associated with several long-term benefits for patients with asymptomatic severe AS

The current evidence suggests early surgery is a better treatment option for asymptomatic severe AS than conservative care, researchers explained.

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New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

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