- Heart valve disorders, such as aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation
- Congenital heart defects, like atrial septal defects (ASDs) or ventricular septal defects (VSDs)
- Enlarged or weakened heart chambers
- Problems with the heart’s walls or major vessels
Symptoms can vary depending on the condition and its severity. Some people experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
In some cases, structural heart disease may not cause noticeable symptoms at first and is discovered during routine exams or imaging tests.
Traditional Treatments vs. Minimally Invasive Options
For many years, the primary treatment for serious structural heart problems was open-heart surgery. This type of procedure requires a large chest incision and often a longer hospital stay and recovery period.
Today, advances in cardiology enable the minimally invasive treatment of many structural heart conditions with catheter-based procedures. These techniques allow specialists to repair or replace heart tissue without opening the chest.
Instead, doctors guide a thin, flexible tube (catheter) through a blood vessel, usually in the leg, and into the heart. Using advanced imaging, they perform the necessary repair from inside the body.
Common Minimally Invasive Treatments
Several structural heart conditions can now be treated without traditional surgery, including:
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
TAVR is used to treat aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve becomes stiff and narrow. During the procedure, a new valve is delivered through a catheter and placed inside the existing valve.
Mitral Valve Repair (MitraClip®)
For patients with mitral regurgitation, a device can be inserted through a catheter to help the valve close more effectively, reducing leakage.
Closure of Heart Defects
Small holes in the heart, such as ASDs or VSDs, can often be closed using special devices delivered through a catheter, eliminating the need for open surgery.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Heart Procedures
While not every patient is a candidate, catheter-based treatments offer several advantages:
- Smaller incisions or no chest incision at all
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery times
- Reduced risk of complications for certain patients
- Less discomfort after the procedure
Your cardiologist will evaluate your overall health, heart function, and specific condition to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
When to See a Structural Heart Specialist
If you’ve been diagnosed with a valve problem, congenital heart defect, or unexplained heart symptoms, a structural heart evaluation may help identify the best treatment options. Early diagnosis and modern techniques can significantly improve your quality of life and long-term outcomes.
Learn how minimally invasive options may reduce recovery time and improve outcomes: Schedule a consultation with our cardiology team. Contact our office today at board certified cardiologists in our office in Belleville, NJ to take a significant step toward better heart health.