Medically reviewed by Dr Pinakin V Parekh, General & Interventional Cardiologist (MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), GDFM (Singapore), FAMS (Singapore), FRCP (Glasgow)). Last Updated: 2026, 28 August
Founder & Medical Director of Trident Heart Centre
Dr Pinakin V Parekh is an interventional cardiologist in Singapore with over 20 years of experience in heart care. He specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of heaart diseases, including procedures such as angiogram and angioplasty.
Structural heart interventions are procedures that treat physical problems in the heart’s structure, such as valves or abnormal openings between heart chambers.
These procedures are typically:
They focus on improving how blood flows through your heart and reducing long-term complications.
Your doctor may recommend a structural heart intervention if you have a diagnosed condition affecting your heart’s structure or are experiencing symptoms such as:
These procedures are often considered when:
TAVI is a procedure used to replace a narrowed aortic valve (a condition known as aortic stenosis) without open-heart surgery.
TAVI may be suitable for patients who:
A Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a small opening between the upper chambers of the heart that did not close naturally after birth.
In some patients, a PFO may increase the risk of:
An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a hole between the upper chambers of the heart that results in abnormal blood flow between the chambers.
If left untreated, an ASD can lead to:
TEER is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain types of leaking heart valves, most commonly mitral regurgitation, without the need for open-heart surgery.
The procedure helps the heart valve close more effectively, reducing backward leakage of blood and improving heart function.
TEER may be suitable for patients who:
| Condition Treated | Main Purpose | Approach | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
TAVI
|
Aortic valve narrowing (aortic stenosis) |
Replace damaged valve |
New valve inserted via catheter |
|
PFO Closure
|
Small opening between heart chambers |
Reduce stroke risk |
Device seals opening |
|
ASD Closure
|
Hole between upper heart chambers |
Prevent heart strain and complications |
Device closes defect |
|
TEER
|
Leaking heart valve |
Reduce valve leakage and improve heart function |
Clip-based repair via catheter |
Structural heart interventions are generally safe and well-established, but like all medical procedures, they carry some risks.
These may include:
Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits based on your individual condition.
Recovery depends on the specific procedure performed, but in general:
Your doctor will guide you on activity levels and follow-up care.
Yes, they are commonly performed and considered safe, especially when done by experienced cardiac specialists.
In many cases, these procedures are designed to avoid the need for open-heart surgery.
Recovery is usually quicker than traditional surgery, often within days to a few weeks.
No, you will not feel the device once it is in place.
Yes, these procedures are designed to provide long-term solutions, although follow-up care is still important.
Dr Pinakin uses current, evidence-based methods to carefully evaluate and treat heart conditions, helping you feel confident in your care.
Every patient is treated as an individual, with attention to your full health and lifestyle, not just the heart problem.
From assessment to treatment, screenings and procedures are conveniently coordinated in one place for a smoother, more reassuring experience.
