Providence Regional Medical Center Everett celebrates 1,000th Watchman implant procedure.
Dr. Aidan Raney with Providence offers detailed information about Watchman. In this video, Dr. Raney guides patients on how this procedure is performed, discusses the benefits for patients, and the recovery process.
Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (PRMCE) recently celebrated its 1,000th Watchman procedure.
The Watchman device is a one-time implant for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients with AF are five times more likely to suffer a stroke than those with a regular heartbeat. Their strokes are also more likely to be fatal or disabling.
Before the watchman device became available, the only option for AF patients to close a left atrial appendage (LAA) and reduce their stroke risk was oral anticoagulation medications (blood thinners).
Implant device vs. blood thinners
Although the medications are effective, it’s difficult for some patients to take an oral anticoagulant long term. Blood thinners increase the risk for severe or even fatal bleeding. Patients who are unable to comply with a daily medication regimen remain at a higher risk for stroke, and many patients must give up other medications, an occupation or an important hobby that may put them at risk for bleeding.
The Watchman FLX device is a one-time implant that can be an answer for these patients. Of the stroke-causing clots that come from the heart, 90% originate in the LAA. By closing the LAA, AF patients can safely reduce their risk of stroke without the use of long-term oral anticoagulation.
A history of excellence in heart health
PRMCE began protecting AF patients from stroke with this procedure in 2018. Since then, the program has grown to one of the most successful in the Pacific Northwest and is the first program in Washington to reach the milestone of protecting 1,000 patients with the Watchman device.
Thank you to everyone who has played an important part in taking care of these patients. The support, and collaboration of the implanters, anesthesiologists, nurses, techs, referring clinicians and hospital leadership is what has made this program such a success.
Are you at risk?
Heart screening tests help identify unknown heart issues so you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your heart. Talk to your doctor about getting tested if you’re older than 35 and have one or more risk factors outlined by the American Heart Association. If you need to find a physician or advance practice clinician, use our find a doctor directory.
Providence Virtual Care connects you face-to-face with a nurse practitioner who can review your heart health symptoms, provide instruction, and follow up as needed. You can also take our Heart Health Quiz!
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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
