Bronson Heart Team Performs 500th WATCHMAN Implant Procedure

On Friday, May 3, cardiologists with Bronson Advanced Cardiac Healthcare performed their 500th WATCHMANTM Implant procedure at Bronson Methodist Hospital – the only hospital in the state currently ranked among the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals. This cardiac procedure performed by the structural heart team is a treatment option for patients who have Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and need an alternative to blood thinners.

The WATCHMAN program began at Bronson in 2018 and is currently led by two interventional cardiologists, Thomas Keller, MD, and Christopher Rogers, DO. “It has been our privilege to help over 500 people in this community get off their long-term blood thinners by undergoing this procedure. I am blessed to be a part of such a great team,” said Dr. Rogers.

How Does the WATCHMAN Implant Work?

In patients with AFib, blood clots most commonly occur in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA). Blood thinners are the most common treatment for individuals with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem. However, AFib is a lifelong condition and not everyone can tolerate long-term use of blood thinners.

A WATCHMAN Implant offers a one-time, minimally invasive treatment option. It is a permanent implant that fits into the LAA, blocking blood clots from leaving the area and traveling to other parts of the body. Closing this appendage helps reduce the risk of stroke and/or other heart conditions.

This treatment for AFib does not require open-heart surgery. Similar to a heart stent procedure, the interventional cardiologist makes a small incision in the upper leg, inserts a narrow tube guiding the implant through the tube and into the left atrial appendage.

After the procedure, tissue will begin to grow over the implant, creating a permanent barrier. Patients either stay on a blood thinner for 45 days or transition directly to six months of dual antiplatelet therapy, typically Plavix and aspirin, while the appendage completely closes off. A clinical study showed that 96% of people were able to stop using blood thinners 45 days after receiving the WATCHMAN Implant.

Dr. Keller shared, “I’m glad that we can provide the WATCHMAN procedure as an option for our community. Every day that we can provide a safe alternative for Afib patients who need to be off their blood thinners but want to be protected from stroke is the best day ever.”

Is This the Right Procedure for You?

WATCHMAN Implants have been shown to reduce the risk of stroke and the risk of bleeding associated with long-term use of blood thinners. You may be a candidate for a WATCHMAN Implant if you answer ‘yes’ to the following questions:

• Do you have atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem?
• Has your doctor recommended that you take a blood thinner for atrial fibrillation?
• Do you have a history of serious bleeding while taking blood thinners?
• Do you have a lifestyle, occupation, or condition that puts you at risk for serious bleeding?
• Do you take warfarin, Xarelto or Eliquis but need an alternative to long term blood thinners?

Talk to your primary care provider or cardiologist to see if a WATCMAN Implant may be the right treatment for your atrial fibrillation. Learn more about Bronson’s Cardiology program or click here to learn more about the implant.