Delray Beach, Fla. (October 23, 2015) – With the new WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Implant now offered at Delray Medical Center, patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (Afib) have an alternative option to reduce their risk of suffering an Afib-related stroke.

Afib patients have a five times greater risk of stroke and typically have to take long-term warfarin medication, a blood-thinning drug with potentially serious side effects. For those who have reason to seek a non-drug alternative, the WATCHMAN LAAC Implant works by closing off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA). By doing so, harmful blood clots that may form due to Afib are kept from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke. Over time, patients may be able to stop taking warfarin.  

“WATCHMAN is just one of several cutting-edge procedures we have started performing in recent years to provide the best possible care for our cardiovascular patients,” said Mark Bryan, hospital CEO. “The combination of our advanced tools and technology and the outstanding judgment and ability of our cardiac team is what helps us achieve positive outcomes.”

Dr. Brijeshwar Maini, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of transcatheter therapies for Tenet Healthcare’s Florida region, recently performed the first WATCHMAN procedure at Delray Medical Center.

“We are proud to be one of the first hospitals in the area to provide Afib patients with a potentially life-changing stroke risk treatment option,” Dr. Maini said. “This device could free patients from the challenges that may come along with long-term warfarin therapy.”

Implanting the WATCHMAN Device is a one-time procedure that usually lasts about an hour. Following the procedure, patients typically need to stay in the hospital for 24 hours.