Structural Heart Center

An aneurysm is a weakening of the artery wall that results in an expansion, ballooning or bulging of the artery. While they can occur in any vessel, they are most common in the aorta below the level of the kidneys. This type of aneurysm is known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). 

This is one of the most common and serious types of heart valve disease. The aortic valve is what allows blood to flow from your heart to the body’s main artery, the aorta. However, when this valve is stiffened or narrowed due to plaque build-up, known as aortic valve stenosis, it can limit blood flow to the entire body.

As a type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, atrial fibrillation (AFib) occurs in the upper chambers of the heart and can cause blood to pool, rather than flowing to the rest of the heart. While AFib is typically treated by an electrophysiologist (a heart rhythm specialist), structural heart procedures may be used as part of a treatment plan.

This condition occurs when a portion of the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. While hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is considered to be inherited, it often has no clear or obvious causes.

A rare, but serious complication related to the surgical replacement of mitral and aortic valves, large paravalvular leaks may require treatment. Patients with this condition may present signs of congestive heart failure or hemolytic anemia after having undergone a prosthetic valve replacement procedure.

When an interatrial septum doesn’t close properly at birth, this is known as a patent foramen ovale. Like an ASD, many people never experience obvious signs or symptoms.

Also known as a leaky tricuspid valve, this is a condition in which the valve between the two right heart chambers (right ventricle and right atrium) doesn’t close properly. This allows blood to flow backward into the right atrium of the heart. The disease is often debilitating, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. When left untreated, TR may lead to conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure and death.

TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat aortic valve stenosis. When a narrowing or blockage of the aortic valve occurs, a replacement valve is inserted to correct the opening and restore normal blood flow.

The tricuspid valve is sometimes known as the “forgotten valve” because treatment options historically were limited for patients who had tricuspid valve regurgitation. Now, interventional cardiologists can use a minimally invasive approach to deliver a device called TriClip to repair a leaky tricuspid valve. TriClip clips together parts of the tricuspid valve leaflets to reduce backflow of blood.

TMVR is a minimally-invasive procedure where a replacement mitral valve is inserted to correct mitral valve dysfunction or regurgitation. This procedure is typically offered for patients who have developed complications after mitral valve repair with a mitral annuloplasty ring and are considered high risk for repeat mitral valve surgery.

Historically, mitral valve repairs could only be successfully completed with open heart surgery. Now, using devices such as MitraClip and PASCAL, cardiologists can effectively repair the mitral valve using minimally invasive techniques. These tiny devices – roughly the size of dime – is carefully attached to the mitral valve, allowing it to close more completely. This prevents leakage or backflow and restores healthy blood flow.

Using a specialized catheter, a tiny closure device is guided to the heart and carefully placed to effectively close the hole caused by ASD/PFO. This special closure device creates a sandwich affect, covering both sides of the hole to close it completely. Over time, the heart is able to repair itself and grow new tissue over the closure device.

For patients with significant paravalvular leaks following a TAVR or TMVR procedure or valve surgery, we offer minimally invasive transcatheter paravalvular leak repair, a procedure with superior outcomes for patients where even the most complex leaks can be closed successfully. With the most advanced cardiovascular imaging technology and coordination through a multi-disciplinary panel of physicians, our team will determine the best and most effective treatment plan for long-term wellness.

This minimally invasive procedure targets and reduces excess heart muscle caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Using a catheter, a controlled amount of high-concentration alcohol is delivered directly to the thickened portion of heart, killing off excess muscle and restoring normal blood flow.

Using a specially designed catheter, a deflated balloon is guided to the stiffened heart valve, oftentimes caused by aortic valve stenosis. Once at the valve, the balloon reaches the valve, it is strategically inflated to push open the flaps of the affected valve. Once the valve opening is restored, the balloon is deflated and removed.

The WATCHMAN and the Amulet are specific devices used in a left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) procedure to reduce the risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation (AFib) for patients who are not able to take certain types of blood thinners. Oftentimes, oral anticoagulation medications are used to reduce risk of stroke in patients with AFib; however, this can increase the risk of bleeding. WATCHMAN and Amulet implantation are among the most advanced types of LAAC procedures available.