PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center has reached a milestone in cardiac care after completing its 2,000th implantation of the WATCHMAN cardiac device. The milestone reinforces its position as the largest WATCHMAN implant program in the Pacific Northwest.
The Vancouver hospital was the first in the region to implant the device in 2015, according to a PeaceHealth press release.
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion device helps reduce stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation by sealing off an area of the heart where blood clots commonly form. The minimally invasive procedure provides an alternative to long-term blood thinner use for eligible patients, potentially reducing risks associated with anticoagulant medications.
“Reaching 2,000 WATCHMAN implants is a testament to the expertise of our physicians, the dedication of our lab teams, and our long-standing commitment to providing advanced stroke-prevention options for patients,” PeaceHealth Southwest Chief Hospital Executive Cherelle Montanye said in the release.
The program is supported by PeaceHealth’s cardiovascular team and a partnership with The Vancouver Clinic cardiology clinicians.
