Recent clinical trials in valvular heart diseases.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In recent years, no other field of cardiology has experienced a greater influx of transformational therapeutic options as valvular heart disease. The present review discusses the landmark trials published in the last 18 months that have shaped the modern day management of valvular heart diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

There have been several landmark trials in recent years, which have expanded the indications for transcatheter aortic valve replacement to low-risk surgical patients and the use of MitraClip for patients with functional mitral regurgitation. Options for transcatheter management of right-sided valvular disease also continue to evolve, including promising results from early feasibility studies.

SUMMARY

The development of novel transcatheter therapies for valvular heart disease has expanded the armamentarium of physicians treating patients with valvular heart disease. The present review will focus on the recent (within 2 years) trials in this field of interest.