Structural heart disease can be present at birth (congenital) or develop with age. It refers to defects in the heart’s valves, wall or chambers. Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a structural defect that is congenital. Common valvular conditions that occur over time include aortic stenosis and mitral valve prolapse.
Historically, open-heart surgery has been the common method for treating valvular and structural heart disease; however, percutaneous valve replacement now provides a viable alternative to patients for whom conventional surgery is considered too risky—and offers the potential benefits of less scarring, less blood loss, less pain and a quicker recovery.
The Structural Heart Disease Program at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) Heart & Vascular Center provides innovative, multi-specialty care for patients with advanced and complex valvular and structural heart disease. From evaluation to treatment, this unique program delivers the best possible outcomes for each and every patient. Our program specializes in interventional treatments for patients who do not qualify for conventional open procedures.
In the vanguard of structural heart surgery and research, BWH has performed more than 1,000 catheter-based structural heart procedures including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for aortic stenosis and MitraClip for mitral regurgitation. We were one of the first hospitals nationwide to participate in the PARTNER (Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valve) trials, and have continued with subsequent research phases to improve the valve device
Our multidisciplinary team of specialists—board-certified cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiovascular radiologists and cardiac anesthesiologists—work together at our state-of-the-art Shapiro Cardiovascular Center. With a vast diversity of medical expertise under one roof, our team efficiently performs a multidisciplinary evaluation, collaborates closely to develop a specialized treatment plan, and continuously works together to provide patients with informed and effective cardiovascular care.
This clinical expertise is enhanced by the team’s access to the best in medical technology, including one of the most advanced hybrid operating rooms and our leading-edge Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
Make an Appointment
To make a Structural Heart Disease Program appointment, call (857) 307-7678.
Refer a Patient
Physicians can make a referral to the Structural Heart Disease Program by calling (857) 307-7678.
Structural Heart Disease Locations
Structural heart disease procedures are performed at the BWH Heart & Vascular Center within the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center across from the Brigham and Women's Hospital main entrance.
