Structural heart

Structural heart issues involve the heart's structural anatomy, including valves, chambers, walls and pockets. If these components retain damage or have inherent birth abnormalities, blood flow can be affected, possibly leading to heart failure, a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) or cardiac arrest.

Although some situations still require open-heart surgery, minimally invasive cardiac catheterization can make treatment easier. With fewer complications, quicker recoveries and more opportunities for positive outcomes, several types of catheter aortic replacement therapy are becoming the new normal for structural heart care. These procedures vary in intensity, and subsequent hospital stays can range from a few hours to a few days.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure

An ASD is a hole in the structural wall that divides the two upper chambers of the heart. Treatment of ASD depends on any other congenital heart abnormalities you may be experiencing, as well as the size and type of the abnormality. ASD repair or closure may often be performed through a catheter procedure.

Complex coronary intervention

Complex coronary interventions can be performed using catheters to avoid open-heart surgery. Using specialized equipment, we may perform an atherectomy, remove plaque from a blood vessel or chronic total occlusion (CTO) interventions.

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO)

LAAO is a treatment offered for atrial fibrillation or an irregular heartbeat. Specifically, LAAO is primarily geared towards people who have used blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke, but are no longer a good candidate to take them. During an LAAO procedure, the atrial appendage is sealed with a catheter. In doing so, this can reduce the risk of stroke, without a long-term need for blood thinners.

Paravalvular leak (PVL) closure

A PVL is a leaking hole that appears next to a previous valve replacement. When significant, a catheter procedure can be performed to plug this hole.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure

A PFO is a hole between the heart's upper chambers that didn't correctly close after birth. If this causes an issue, a catheter procedure can be performed to plug the hole.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

TAVR is a minimally invasive catheter procedure delivered through the skin to replace an aortic valve. We are one of only five hospitals within 190 miles approved to perform this leading-edge procedure, and it has proven highly beneficial for those previously considered too high a risk for invasive heart surgery.

As the primary catheter-based treatment we use for valve issues, TAVR is typically used to treat aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve narrows or doesn't open fully, reducing or blocking oxygen-rich blood flow from your heart to the rest of your body. As a result, you can experience shortness of breath, fatigue, passing out and chest pain or pressure.

Until recently, those with severe aortic stenosis may have had their daily lives severely interrupted. But TAVR allows you to potentially maintain a high quality of life while managing the severe issues that can accompany aortic stenosis.

TAVR eligibility

TAVR provides another option if you are considered intermediate to high-risk for open-heart surgery, or are experiencing other factors that make you a less-than-ideal candidate. Beforehand, doctors thoroughly evaluate you to determine if you qualify, or have coexisting medical conditions that would prevent you from benefitting as expected. While minimally invasive, TAVR is a significant procedure involving either general anesthesia or moderate sedation. Specific contraindications and potential adverse effects are always taken into account, including risks of death, stroke, arterial damage, major bleeding and other life-threatening events.

We make sure to thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits with you so you can decide the best course of action.

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr)

We are the first hospital in Eastern Idaho to offer this less invasive treatment for severe mitral valve regurgitation. TMVr is often recommended if you have mitral valve regurgitation and are considered to have an elevated risk for traditional, open-heart valve surgery.

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR)

TMVR is a less invasive treatment for severe mitral valve regurgitation or mitral stenosis, a narrowing of the mitral valve. Especially in the setting of prior mitral valve replacement, the new valve can be deployed using a catheter from the femoral vein to replace the poorly functioning mitral valve. A transcatheter mitral valve replacement takes precisely as long as a TMVr procedure. It carries with it the same length of hospital stay and the same follow-up care regimen.