Southwest Healthcare Temecula Valley Hospital Successfully Implants First WATCHMAN FLX™ Pro LACC Device

Monday, August 5, 2024
Surgical team who performed first watchman procedure at temecula valley hospital poses smiling for the camera

Niraj Parekh, MD, performed Southwest Healthcare Temecula Valley Hospital’s (TVH) first patient implant of the new WATCHMAN FLX™ Pro Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Device. The Watchman medical technology is designed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who seek an alternative to long-term blood thinners. The minimally invasive procedure involves implanting the Watchman device into the heart to prevent blood clots from forming in the left atrial appendage, a common source of strokes in AFib patients.

Built upon the proven safety and procedural performance of the Watchman FLX™ LAAC Device, the Watchman FLX Pro device features a permanent polymer coating that is designed to reduce the risk of device-related thrombus, visualization markers for enhanced placement and a broader size matrix to treat a wider range of patients.

"We are thrilled with the successful outcomes of our initial Watchman procedures," said Dr. Niraj Parekh. "This device represents a significant advancement in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, providing our patients with a safe and effective alternative for stroke prevention."

“The successful completion of these procedures underscores Temecula Valley Hospital's commitment to integrating advanced medical technologies and providing high-quality care to our community,” said Darlene Wetton, Group VP Southwest Healthcare. “The introduction of the Watchman procedure is a testament to the hospital's ongoing efforts to enhance its cardiac care services and improve patient outcomes.”

An estimated seven million Americans are expected to be affected by atrial fibrillation (AF). People with AF have a greater risk of stroke than those with normal heart rhythms. The Watchman FLX Pro device closes off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA) to keep harmful blood clots that can form in the LAA from entering the blood stream and potentially cause a stroke. By closing off the LAA, the risk of stroke may be reduced to less than one percent, similar to the reduction of strokes on anticoagulation. The benefit is that after implantation patients can stop taking oral anticoagulants (blood thinners).

The Watchman technology has been implanted to treat more than 300,000 patients worldwide and is completed during a single procedure. This permanent device doesn’t have to be replaced and can’t be seen outside the body. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. Some patients may need an overnight stay, but most can be discharged the same day.

Learn more about cardiovascular care at Temecula Valley Hospital →