Columbus Regional Health Heart & Vascular is pleased to announce that its cardiovascular services team recently completed its 100th Watchman™ procedure, which treats patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Columbus Regional Health began offering the innovative Watchman procedure in 2022. The team is led by cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr. Albert Sey. For those who have AFib not caused by a heart valve problem (also known as nonvalvular AFib), the Watchman device offers a safe and convenient alternative to blood thinners.

Approximately 7 million Americans have AFib, a condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood normally, causing blood to pool in the left atrial appendage (LAA), a sac-like pocket located in the wall of the heart’s top chamber, where a blood clot may form. When a blood clot in the LAA travels to another part of the body, it can cut off the blood supply to the brain, causing a stroke. The Watchman, which fits into the LAA, is a small, parachute-shaped device that is composed of a self-expanding, titanium frame with a polyester fabric cover. It is implanted through the skin and is designed to permanently close off the LAA to keep blood clots from entering the bloodstream. The device is permanent and never needs to be replaced.

Learn more here about the Watchman procedure and Cardiovascular Services at CRH.