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 with overweight patient who may be treated with TAVR or surgery

How persistent AFib impacts TAVR survival

Persistent and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation appear to affect short- and long-term TAVR mortality rates in different ways, according to a new study of nearly 3,000 patients. Some trends fade over time, while others remain in place after many years. 

artificial intelligence in cardiology

AI can help cardiologists predict death after TAVR—but there is a catch

It's clear that advanced AI algorithms will radically transform care for TAVR patients in the years ahead. For now, however, certain AI models may require too much data to be helpful on a consistent basis. 

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The waiting game: Delaying TAVR increases healthcare costs by $10K per year

Delaying TAVR in eligible patients with severe AS can lead to much higher healthcare costs, according to a new study of real-world Medicare data.

doctor patient discharge after heart surgery

TAVR vs. SAVR for low-risk patients: Cardiologist explores the decision-making process

While multiple studies have confirmed that TAVR and surgery are associated with comparable outcomes, it is important to take an individualized approach to all treatment decisions.

The Tria surgical mitral valve is built using LifePolymer, a proprietary material that does not include animal tissue. Both the frame of the valve and its leaflets are generated by computer to match each patient’s native mitral valve. According to Foldax, this new-look polymer reduces the long-term risk of valve calcification, and patients should be able to bounce back after surgery without requiring the long-time use of anticoagulants.

New-look polymer mitral valve linked to positive outcomes 30 days after surgery

The new surgical valve from Foldax was designed to limit calcification and make it so patients do not require long-term anticoagulant therapy following treatment. 

Medtronic TAVR valves at heart of multiple sessions during New York cardiology conference

Medtronic’s TAVR technology received a significant amount of attention during the very first New York Valves conference in New York City. Research focused on patients with small annuli as well as how five-year outcomes compare to surgery. 

cardiologist viewing heart data

Edwards shares new data highlighting consistency of its TAVR valves in women, patients with small annuli

Researchers explored five-year data from more than 1,300 TAVR patients treated with a balloon-expandable Sapien 3 valve, sharing their findings at New York Valves 2024: The Structural Heart Summit.

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has helped cardiologists, radiologists, nurses and other healthcare providers embrace precision medicine in a way that ensures more heart patients are receiving personalized care.

AI uses imaging results to ID high-risk TAVR patients with speed, accuracy

Researchers developed an advanced AI model capable of extracting measurements from unprocessed CT images in seconds. It then uses those data to evaluate the patient's mortality risk if they underwent TAVR.

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

 

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

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