stenosis management,” Dr. Sharma said.“ What was once a major surgical operation can now often be performed through a minimally invasive approach.”
Similar progress is occurring in the treatment of other valve disorders. Transcatheter therapies for tricuspid and mitral regurgitation, including edge-to-edge repair systems, aka TEER, are now possible. TEER stands for Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair, wherein the operator uses a sort of pincer to clip the too-wide valve edges together, thereby closing the leak, are offering new options for patients with symptomatic disease who may not tolerate surgery. Emerging technologies are also targeting tricuspid valve disease, an area historically underserved by available treatments.
“ These structural interventions are expanding rapidly,” Dr. Sharma noted.“ We are now seeing devices designed specifically for the mitral and tricuspid valves that simply did not exist a decade ago.”
Underlying these advances is a parallel revolution in cardiovascular imaging. Modern procedures rely heavily on high-resolution echocardiography, CT imaging and advanced procedural guidance systems. These tools allow physicians to visualize cardiac anatomy in extraordinary detail and perform highly precise interventions.
Imaging plays a critical role not only during procedures but also in patient selection and procedural planning. By combining detailed anatomical information with sophisticated modeling, cardiology teams can determine the most appropriate treatment strategy for each individual patient.
Equally important is the rise of the multidisciplinary“ heart team” approach. Structural heart disease interventions often require collaboration among interventional cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, imaging specialists, anesthesiologists and other clinicians. Together, these teams evaluate complex cases and determine the best therapeutic approach.
“ This is truly a collaborative field,” Dr. Sharma emphasized.“ The best outcomes come from bringing together expertise from multiple disciplines.”
The rapid pace of innovation has also been fueled by clinical trials and device development. New technologies are constantly being evaluated, refined and introduced into clinical practice. Many of these devices are designed to simplify procedures, reduce complications and broaden eligibility for treatment.
For practicing physicians, keeping up with these developments is essential. As therapies become more sophisticated, early recognition and referral of patients with structural heart disease can significantly affect outcomes.
Looking ahead, Dr. Sharma believes the next decade will bring even more dramatic change. Advances in device design, imaging technology and procedural techniques are expected to further expand the range of conditions that can be treated through minimally invasive approaches.
“ We are only beginning to see what is possible,” he said.“ The goal is to continue making these therapies safer, more effective and accessible to a wider group of patients.”
For patients with structural heart disease, the implications are profound. Conditions that once required major surgery, or went untreated due to surgical risk, can now be managed with innovative catheter-based therapies. As research continues and technology advances, the future of cardiovascular care is increasingly defined by precision, collaboration and minimally invasive treatment.
For physicians, Dr. Sharma concluded, the challenge and opportunity lie in staying engaged with these evolving tools and approaches, ensuring that patients benefit from the rapidly advancing field of structural heart intervention.
This summary was generated by AI transcription software based on the live presentation delivered during the GLMS Foundation’ s Senior Physician Speaker Series. Thank you to Dr. Sam Yared for reviewing and adding insights to this summary. Final editing provided by Dr. Mary Barry.
GLMS Foundation Senior Physicians Speaker Series
Make sure to add these dates to your calendar so you don’ t miss out! 2026 Dates- May 5, June 2, August 4, September 2, October 6 and December 1
All meetings will take place at noon via Zoom. The program is free and open to GLMS members and their guest. Please contact us for more information on the programs and how to access the meetings. Senior Physicians Committee Chair, Dr. Sam Yared, has several speakers already lined up, but is always looking for new ideas. If you have suggestions on potential speakers or topics, please reach out, we would love to hear your ideas! Missed a recent program and want to catch up? Contact us for a link to the recordings. foundation @ glms. org | 502-736-6366
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