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With a focus on innovation and research to provide the best evidence-based medicine available, cardiologists at the Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Center at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale are now performing the WATCHMAN procedure, which provides an alternative to oral blood-thinners for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
The first WATCHMAN procedures were performed at Holy Cross by Rishi Anand, M.D, FACC, FHRS, and Daniel Weitz, M.D, FHRS. “Both cases were successful, and both of the patients were discharged the following day,” said Dr. Anand. “This procedure aligns with our mission of providing the most leading-edge technology to give patients the options they deserve.”
The WATCHMAN procedure involves a one-time implant which provides protection from stroke that is comparable to warfarin (the most common blood thinner) without the risk of bleeding.
“WATCHMAN is the only device of its kind approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for reducing the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem,” said Dr. Weitz. “At the Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Center we are at the forefront of cardiac care, advanced treatments and clinical trials.”
