Structural heart disease affects the valves, chambers or internal structures of the heart and may require more than routine medical treatment. In selected patients, these conditions can now be treated through catheter-based procedures, reducing the need for conventional open-heart surgery in appropriate cases.
At Sudarshan Heart Clinic, Dr Gaurav Mohan evaluates the condition, heart anatomy, symptoms and overall clinical risk before deciding whether a structural heart intervention is suitable.
When Structural Heart Intervention May Be Considered
Evaluation may be required in patients with:
- Severe aortic valve narrowing
- Mitral valve narrowing
- Certain congenital heart defects
- Persistent breathlessness or reduced exercise capacity
- Symptoms despite medical treatment
- Structural abnormalities identified on cardiac imaging
- Patients being assessed for catheter-based valve treatment
The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of the structural heart condition, imaging findings, age, associated illnesses and overall cardiac status.
Catheter-Based Structural Heart Procedures
- TAVR / TAVI: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement is a minimally invasive procedure used in selected patients with severe aortic valve disease. A replacement valve is delivered through a catheter without conventional open-heart valve surgery.
- Device Closure Procedures: Certain structural defects, such as selected openings between heart chambers, may be treated using catheter-delivered closure devices when clinically appropriate.
- Balloon Mitral Valvotomy (BMV): BMV is a catheter-based procedure used in selected patients with significant mitral valve narrowing. A balloon is used to widen the narrowed valve and improve blood flow through the heart.
Careful Planning Before Intervention
Structural heart procedures require detailed assessment before treatment. Evaluation may include echocardiography, ECG, blood investigations and additional cardiac imaging, depending on the condition being treated.
At Sudarshan Heart Clinic, the focus is on determining whether intervention is genuinely required, whether a catheter-based approach is appropriate and which treatment strategy best fits the individual patient.
Follow-up remains important after the procedure to assess heart function, symptoms, medication requirements and long-term cardiac health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is structural heart disease?
Structural heart disease refers to problems involving the heart valves, chambers or internal structures rather than only the coronary arteries.
What is the difference between TAVR and TAVI?
TAVR and TAVI refer to the same catheter-based procedure used to replace a diseased aortic valve.
Does every valve problem require surgery or intervention?
No. Treatment depends on the severity of the valve disease, symptoms, heart function and the patient’s overall clinical condition.
What is a device closure procedure?
It is a catheter-based treatment in which a specialised device is used to close certain structural openings or defects within the heart.
Who may be suitable for Balloon Mitral Valvotomy?
BMV may be considered in selected patients with significant mitral valve narrowing after detailed clinical and echocardiographic assessment.
