TRI-CITIES, Wash. – Kadlec Regional Medical Center is now providing the WATCHMAN device, a heart implant designed to prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not linked to heart valve issues, Kadlec announced in a release.
Dr. Abdelazim Hashim, an interventional cardiologist at Kadlec, highlighted the convenience for local patients. “There were many of our patients who needed this device, and they were driving hours to get it,” he said.
AFib is the most common irregular heartbeat, increasing stroke risk five to seven times. The WATCHMAN device seals off the left atrial appendage, where most stroke-causing clots form, eliminating the need for lifelong blood thinners for many.
Dr. Munish Kumar Kannabhiran, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Kadlec, explained the significance. “WATCHMAN is considered for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who are at increased risk of stroke but have a reason they cannot take long-term blood thinners,” he said.
The minimally invasive procedure allows most patients to return home the same day. In clinical trials, 96 percent stopped taking blood thinners within 45 days post-implant.
Kadlec also offers comprehensive AFib treatments, including pulsed field ablation. Dr. Kannabhiran emphasized early evaluation by a cardiologist for those with AFib symptoms to explore treatment options.
For more information on the WATCHMAN device, visit here to see a video.
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