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.

Valve Medical's Xemed TAVR valve

Cardiologists perform world’s first TAVR with new ultra-low profile valve

The 88-year-old patient was originally not seen as a viable candidate for TAVR or surgery.

The Wattson temporary pacing guidewire from Teleflex

FDA clears new guidewire used for valve delivery and ventricular pacing during TAVR, BAV procedures

The device, now on display at TVT 2023 in Phoenix, is scheduled to begin hitting the market in the months ahead. 

Antithrombotic therapy after TAVR: Comparing warfarin to DAPT, SAPT

A new retrospective study from the Mayo Clinic focused on patients with no other need for anticoagulation.

The CLAAS device from Conformal Medical

Conformal Medical raises $35M to continue development, research of next-gen LAAO device

The new investments were announced as the company continues developing its CLAAS device for sealing the LAA during LAAO procedures.

PHOTO GALLERY: Electrophysiology advances at Heart Rhythm 2023

Heart Rhythm 2023 in New Orleans brought together EP experts from all over the world. Scroll through a large selection of photos from the big event. 

EnCompass Technologies F2 embolic filter device TAVR embolic device

Interventional cardiologists perform world’s first TAVR with new embolic protection device

The device, designed with improved filtration and stability in mind, is now being investigated as part of a new pilot study. 

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TAVR controversy: Surgeon fired after saying cardiologist treated patients without proper credentials

An Ohio doctor allegedly performed multiple procedures without the proper credentials. A vascular surgeon is now out of work for sharing the story with a local media outlet. 

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TAVR among 90-year-old patients: An updated look at mortality, hospital costs and more

In-hospital mortality and other key outcomes have improved in recent years, but treating these older patients is still associated with certain challenges. 

Around the web

One of the most formidable societies of medical professionals in the U.S. is going toe-to-toe with Robert F. Kennedy’s HHS over changing vaccination recommendations. 

Tom Price, MD, former secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), said one way to address the growing shortage of physicians is to expand medical resident positions, but these are tied to Medicare spending so alternative means may be needed.