Rose Medical Center has become one of the first hospitals in Colorado (USA) to offer patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation percutaneous left atrial appendage closure with the Watchman device (Boston Scientific). The Center’s first Watchman implant procedure was performed by Christopher Stees (Rocky Mountain Heart Rhythm Institute at the centre); he was joined in the procedure by his colleagues Bridget Beck and Michael Wahl.
He says: “The new Watchman implant provides physicians with a breakthrough stroke risk reduction option for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. For patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who are seeking an alternative to warfarin, the device offers a potentially life-changing stroke risk treatment option which could free them from the challenges of long-term warfarin therapy.”
A press release reports that implanting the Watchman device is a one-time procedure that usually lasts about an hour. Following the procedure, patients typically need to stay in the hospital for 24 hours.
