Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Rutherford Structural Heart & Valve Center

Cardiologists at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Rutherford Structural Heart & Valve Center in Murfreesboro, TN, deliver advanced heart care.

Advance care for structural heart and valve care

At Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Rutherford Structural Heart & Valve Center offers advanced, minimally invasive treatment options for patients with complex heart valves and other structural heart conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of interventional cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and advanced cardiac imaging specialists work together to provide personalized care using the latest innovations in heart valve repair and replacement.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, atrial septal defects, or another structural heart issue, we’re here for you from diagnosis through recovery with expertise and compassion.

Every patient starts with a comprehensive evaluation from our interventional cardiologist and cardiothoracic surgeon together. Our heart team then meets to discuss each case and develop a personalized treatment plan for the following conditions:


  • Aortic valve disease offering therapies including TAVR
  • Atrial septal defects (ASD)
  • Left atrial appendage closure with devices like WATCHMAN™
  • Mitral valve disease offering therapies including MitraClip™
  • Paravalvular leaks
  • Patent foramen ovale (PFO)
  • Tricuspid valve disease
  • Other congenital or acquired structural heart conditions

We’re here to help you get back to the activities you love, with minimally invasive procedures that offer quicker recovery and fewer complications than traditional surgery.

The best available therapy, close to home

The heart care team at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Rutherford are dedicated to helping you improve your quality of life.

Frequently asked questions about structural heart and heart valve disease

  • What is structural heart disease?

    Structural heart disease refers to problems with the heart’s structure including its valves, walls, or muscle. These issues can occur at birth or develop over time due.Common examples include:

    • Heart valve disease
    • A hole in the heart (such as atrial septal defect)
    • Abnormal heart walls or heart muscle function
  • What is heart valve disease and why is it important

    Heart valve disease is the most common type of structural heart disease. Valve problems can make your heart work harder, leading to symptoms or complications like atrial fibrillation (AFib), heart failure, or fluid in the lungs.

  • What are the symptoms of structural heart disease?
    • Shortness of breath, especially during activity
    • Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
    • Fatigue or low energy
    • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
    • Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs
  • How is structural heart disease diagnosed?

    Your heart care team may use one or more tests, such as:

    • Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
    • Electrocardiogram (EKG) to check heart rhythm
    • Stress testing
    • Chest X-ray or CT scan for detailed images
    • Heart catheterization to measure blood flow and pressure
  • What treatments are available?

    Your treatment plan is determined by your heart condition and how severe it is, and can include

    • Medications to relieve symptoms and protect heart function
    • Minimally invasive procedures, such as TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) or mitral valve repair
    • Open-heart surgery for more complex valve repairs or replacements
  • Can structural heart disease be treated without open-heart surgery?

    Yes. Many patients qualify for minimally invasive procedures like TAVR, which can repair or replace a valve through a small incision, helping you recover faster and get back to your daily activities sooner.

Connected cardiology care in one location

Care teams at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Rutherford Structural Heart & Valve Center can connect you with cardiology specialists for many heart and vascular conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and heart rhythm disorders
  • Bridge to heart transplant
  • Congenital heart disorders
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Coronary artery disease, angioplasty and stent placement
  • Heart attack and stroke
  • Heart disease in women
  • High blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol
  • Peripheral artery disease
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Pulsed Field Ablation
  • Structural heart and valve care, TAVR and MitraClip™ surgery
  • Vascular disorders, such as aortic aneurysm
  • WATCHMAN™

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, including chest pain or stroke symptoms, go directly to the ER or call 911.

Supporting your heart care recovery

Your experienced care team is here to help improve your quality of life. We support you with wellness, rehabilitation and education before and after your treatment:  

  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Cardiovascular research and clinical trials
  • Heart failure education programs and senior wellness
  • Heart nutrition counseling
  • Medication anticoagulation management
  • Transitional care, bridging next steps once home

Participate in cardiovascular clinical research 

Ascension Saint Thomas Heart is committed to supporting cardiovascular clinical research. By participating in national and regional trials, our investigators help improve the treatment and diagnosis of heart and vascular diseases. Talk to your cardiologist to learn more about participating in clinical trials.