St. Elizabeth's is among the first hospitals in the U.S. to implant the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device. This first-of-its-kind implant offers indicated patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation a potentially life-changing treatment option which could free them from the challenges of long-term warfarin therapy and reduce stroke risk.
SMG Cardiology at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center
736 Cambridge St., Seton, 4th Floor
Brighton, MA 02135
617-789-3187
617-789-5029 fax
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart condition where the upper chambers of the heart (atrium) beat too fast and with irregular rhythm (fibrillation). AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, currently affecting more than five million Americans. Twenty percent of all strokes occur in patients with AF, and AF-related strokes are more frequently fatal and disabling.
The Watchman Implant is designed to close the left atrial appendage (LAA) in order to keep harmful blood clots from the LAA from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke for higher risk patients with non-valvular AF.
For patients with AF who are considered suitable for warfarin by their physicians but who have reason to seek a non-drug alternative, the Watchman LAAC Implant is an implant alternative to reduce their risk of AF-related stroke. The Watchman Implant closes off an area of the heart (the LAA) to keep harmful blood clots from the LAA from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke. By closing off the LAA, the risk of stroke may be reduced and, over time, patients may be able to stop taking warfarin.