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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AI predicts the likelihood of a common TAVR complication

Many patients still require a permanent pacemaker following TAVR. In fact, it is more common after TAVR than after surgical aortic valve replacement. 

Boston Scientific Acurate neo2 TAVR

ACURATE neo2 valve linked to successful commissural alignment during TAVR

The new Boston Scientific valve received CE mark approval in 2020, but has not been approved by the FDA.

Medtronic launches Evolut FX TAVR system aortic stenosis

New feature found on Evolut FX valve helps cardiologists confirm commissural alignment during TAVR

Commissural alignment is especially important now, researchers explained, because TAVR is being recommended for younger patients with longer life expectancies. 

Medicare money payment physician

TAVR costs vary significantly from one hospital to the next

According to a new study of more than 119,000 hospitalizations, the costs associated with TAVR are far from consistent. 

SCAI President Sunil Rao explains what he saw as the top 5 interventional studies at ACC23. #SCAI #ACC #ACC23

5 studies that could make a big impact on interventional cardiology

SCAI President Sunil Rao, MD, spoke with us about some of the key interventional cardiology studies presented at ACC.23 in New Orleans. 

Abbott Epic Max heart valve for aortic valve disease

Abbott’s new surgical solution for aortic valve disease gains FDA approval

The newly approved valve is the latest addition to Abbott’s Epic surgical valve platform.

Images from the consensus document showing the proper left atrial appendage (LAA) sizing assessment for a transcatheter occluder device using transesophageal echo (TEE). Sizing and evaluation for pre-existing thrombus in the LAA also can be performed using cardiac CT.

SCAI and HRS release expert consensus on transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion

One of the new recommendations is to conduct baseline imaging with TEE or cardiac CT.

Example of an FFR-angio image-derived hemodynamic flow model performed tableside in the cath lab reconstructed using three different C-arm contract image acquisitions. This technology from CathWorks, which was recently acquired by Medtronic, can eliminate the need for pressure wires and adenosine to assess FFR pressures. These measurements are used to determine the hemodynamic significance of a stenosis and determine if a stent is necessary or if a patient can be treated medically.

PHOTO GALLERY: ACC.23 in New Orleans

Browse a selection of photos from the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting in New Orleans. The pictures highlight key moments, new technologies and much more from the big show. 

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