The WATCHMAN Reduces Stroke Risk for AFib Patient
When Annie Troester was in her 30s, she learned she had an irregular heart and began medication under the care of a cardiologist. Thirty years later, Annie was diagnosed with Atrial fibrillation, also called AFib. AFib is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to serious complications, including stroke, blood clots, and heart failure.
Like many patients with AFib, Annie began to take blood thinners. However, in some cases, long-term use of blood thinners increases the risk of internal bleeding. Indeed, at age 74, Annie had a severe gastrointestinal bleed that cost her three pints of blood and landed her in the hospital. Blood-thinning medication was no longer an option, putting her at higher risk of stroke.
Enter Jose Silva, MD, an electrophysiologist at Centra’s HVI and the WATCHMAN. The WATCHMAN is a self-expanding mechanical device made from a metallic alloy covered in mesh. Using a minimally invasive technique, Dr. Silva inserts the device at the entrance of the left atrial appendage (LAA). The LAA is a little pouch at the top left chamber of the heart, where the majority of the clots that lead to stroke form. The heart heals over the device, and the LAA no longer impacts circulation. That’s how this device prevents stroke.
Before (left) & After (right) the WATCHMAN procedure.
Annie said Dr. Silva assured her that she was a good candidate and that the WATCHMAN would help prevent stroke while sparing her the side effects of the blood thinners. Dr. Silva explained the procedure in familiar terms: One cardiologist, the “plumber” would insert the device through a blood vessel in the groin and direct it up to the heart. Then Dr. Silva, the “electrician,” would implant the WATCHMAN in the heart.
According to Annie, surgery was quick, and recovery was easy. After a week of rest, she was up and back to her regular routine. “Modern medicine is extraordinary,” Annie Troester.
Dr. Jose Silva, alongside Dr. Brinder Kanda, at Centra Heart and Vascular Institute has been offering the WATCHMAN procedure since March 2020. Despite a temporary pause of this elective procedure due to COVID, Dr. Silva and Dr. Kanda have performed this procedure on over 55 patients. Please speak to your cardiologist if you would like to learn more.
