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.

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
ACC 2023 ACC.23 American College of Cardiology

American College of Cardiology announces late-breaking research for ACC.24 in Atlanta

The group's annual meeting heads to Atlanta this April. TAVR, GLP-1 agonists, medical imaging guidance and blood pressure control are just some of the topics that will be presented during late-breaking sessions.

January 29, 2024

Heart surgeons alarmed by high number of young patients choosing TAVR over SAVR

Nearly 50% of patients under the age of 60 are now opting for TAVR over SAVR, according to a new study presented at STS 2024 in San Antonio. "We owe it to our patients to take a more prominent role in providing the highest quality evidence to help our patients make these major healthcare decisions," one researcher said. 

January 28, 2024
CroíValve DUO device tricuspid valve. The DUO Tricuspid Coaptation Valve System includes both a prosthetic coaptation valve that works in tandem with the patient’s native tricuspid valve and an anchor system designed to adjust and lock the position of the coaptation valve as needed. According to CroíValve, the device “combines repair and replacement to provide the right solution for the right heart.”

CroíValve kicks off early feasibility study for new TR device, names cardiologist Martin Leon to advisory board

The company hopes to enroll 15 patients to monitor the safety and effectiveness of its new-look transcatheter device for severe tricuspid regurgitation. 

January 25, 2024
Overview of the Tootsie Roll technique for treating paravalvular leak in certain transcatheter heart valve patients. Tootsie Roll paravalvular leak transcatheter heart valves.

New ‘Tootsie Roll’ technique could help cardiologists treat PVL in transcatheter heart valves

Paravalvular leak remains a significant problem after TAVR, SAVR and even TMVR. Could a new-look interventional technique help heart teams overcome this issue and improve patient outcomes? 

January 24, 2024

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