innerbg.jpg

WATCHMAN Implant Offers Innovative Solution to Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

WATCHMAN_HighRes_TransparentBackgroundIf you’ve kept up with us on the blog for some time now, you know we have a passion for being the first to bring innovative technology to our region. Well, we’ve done it again! Dr. Ali is among the first few physicians in the region to implant the WATCHMAN device at Memorial Hospital. We couldn’t be more proud!

WATCHMAN is a device used for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation seeking an alternative to long-term warfarin medication. The WATCHMAN implant works by closing off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage to keep harmful blood clots from entering the bloodstream and potentially causing a stroke. By closing off the left atrial appendix, the risk of stroke is reduced and patients may be able to stop taking warfarin.

“For patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, the WATCHMAN implant provides physicians with a breakthrough stroke-risk reduction option, “Dr. Ali says, “WATCHMAN could potentially free patients from the challenges of long-term warfarin use.”

Atrial Fibrillation is a condition where the upper chambers of the heart beat too fast with irregular rhythm. Atrial fibrillation affects more than 5 million Americans. 15-20% of all strokes occur in patients with atrial fibrillation. The most common treatment to reduce stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation is warfarin. Despite its proven efficacy, long-term warfarin medication is not well-tolerated by some patients and carriers a significant risk of blood complications. Nearly half of atrial fibrillation patients eligible for warfarin are currently untreated due to tolerance and adherence issues. WATCHMAN offers these patients an innovative alternative to warfarin.

To find out if WATCHMAN is right for you, call 904.493.3333.

Receive health tips, news, and updates from First Coast Cardiovascular Institute

We respect your privacy and will never share your personal details with anyone.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Simple Share Buttons