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 eye on imaging: How to limit radiation exposure during TAVR procedures

Specialists at a high-volume facility in Germany were able to successfully limit radiation dose—and patient outcomes did not suffer. 

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American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association share new recommendations for managing valvular heart disease

The new document, published in both the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and Circulation, highlights the significant progress researchers and clinicians have made in this area in recent years.

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Scientists share new data on how gene mutations lead to congenital heart disease

The analysis explored key gene mutations as they occur in human heart cells. 

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Scientists share breakthrough that could limit heart valve disease, help patients avoid replacement surgery

After 15 years of dedicated research, a cardiologist-led team of scientists thinks their work could dramatically change patient care.

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Skip the clopidogrel? TAVR patients benefit from antiplatelet therapy that includes aspirin only

The risk of major bleeding or life-threatening bleeding events was higher when clopidogrel was included in the patient's treatment strategy. 

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Transcatheter repair for tricuspid regurgitation is safe and effective

Transcatheter tricuspid valve repair consistently led to improved outcomes for patients with tricuspid regurgitation.

Boston Scientific to retire Lotus Edge TAVR program after voluntary recall

The company will now focus its attention on the marketing and development of other solutions.

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TAVR stands tall as ‘the dominant form of aortic valve replacement,’ specialty groups declare

Specialists from the American College of Cardiology and Society of Thoracic Surgeons explored data from more than 276,000 patients who have undergone a TAVR procedure in the last nine years. 

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Around the web

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Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

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

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New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

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