Volusia County, FL - For patients who have a high risk of strokes caused by both atrial fibrillation and a high risk for bleeds, a new lifesaving option is available.
In Feb. 2016, the FDA approved the Watchman Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) implant, which is now a treatment option at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center.
Only 126 hospitals in the U.S. have the training and ability to perform the procedure, with FHMMC being the first in Volusia County to offer the LAAC.
“The Watchman implant doesn’t treat atrial fibrillation, but rather it reduces the risk of stroke for patients with atrial fibrillation,” said Christian Fisher, FHMMC director of cardiovascular services. “Each year, nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. suffer from a stroke. Of this, 20 percent occur in patients with atrial fibrillation.”
“About 90 percent of strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation originate from the left atrial appendage where the blood can pool and form clots which then break off, causing a stroke,” said Candace Acabbo, FHMMC structural heart and special procedures registered nurse navigator.
Doctors performing the procedure at FHMMC include; interventional cardiologist Dr. Dinesh Arab, electrophysiologist Dr. Hanscy Seide, and electrophysiologist Dr. Huijian James Wang.
Photo courtesy of Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.
