Watchman device offers option to patients with irregular heart beats
Doctor: Implant is inserted in heart to reduce risk of stroke, blood clots from irregular heart rhythms
A new medical procedure that could help millions of Americans is being performed for the first time in Cincinnati.
The FDA recently approved a device called the Watchman.
Doctors said the device is a small implant in the heart that helps reduce the risk of a stroke or blood clots from irregular heart rhythms.
Officials said Christ Hospital helped take part in the clinical trials and currently is the only hospital doing the procedure in Cincinnati.
Dr. Madhukar Gupta is a cardiologist at Christ Hospital and performed the first procedure.
“It’s a great option for a lot of patients, who right now have no choice except to take one blood thinner or another. And if they are an eligible candidate for this device it's a great option,” Gupta said.
Bob Braun, 74, was the first patient to receive a Watchman device in the area. His procedure took place on Oct. 2.
“I was a little uneasy about it. I've been associated with Christ Hospital for a number of years now, a number of procedures, I've been very pleased with them, so that helped,” said Braun.
Doctors said the procedure lasts about 90 minutes and Braun was able to go home the next day.
Doctors said the implant is an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical medication.
For people with irregular heart rhythm, known as atrial fibrillation, blood thinners, or anticoagulants, are often prescribed. The watchman will be an option to permanently fix the concern of blood clots forming in the heart, which could lead to a stroke.
Doctors described the process of inserting the watchman into a patient: A catheter is inserted in the right leg and sent to the heart. The watchman is inserted into the left atrial appendage of the heart, a location that can collect blood, leading to blood clots and possible strokes. An implant is inserted through the catheter and then inflated within the appendage. Once in the correct location it is unscrewed and left in place to block the appendage and prevent blood clots from forming.
According to Gupta, it will not be a fix for all patients, because there are some qualifications to be eligible for the procedure. But he said he expects it to be an option for many patients with irregular heart rhythms.