PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Dr. Vadim Levin has successfully implanted the WATCHMAN FLX™ Pro Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Device in a patient at Phoenixville Hospital. This marks the hospital’s introduction of the latest iteration in LAAC technology to the Philadelphia region, representing a stride forward in stroke prevention for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).
Atrial fibrillation, characterized by an irregular heartbeat, affects an estimated seven million Americans, placing them at a five-fold increased risk of stroke compared to individuals with normal heart rhythms. The WATCHMAN FLX Pro device is engineered to mitigate this risk by sealing off the left atrial appendage (LAA), a common site for blood clot formation in NVAF patients.
This device builds upon the legacy of the WATCHMAN FLX™, incorporating a permanent HEMOCOAT™ polymer coating aimed at minimizing the chance of device-related blood clots. Enhanced visualization markers and an expanded size range allow physicians to tailor the treatment to individual patient anatomies more effectively.
May, recognized as Stroke Awareness Month, underscores the critical timing of this innovation. The WATCHMAN FLX Pro offers an alternative to lifelong anticoagulation therapy, potentially liberating patients from daily medication while reducing their stroke risk.
Dr. Levin’s pioneering procedure signifies not just a local milestone but a beacon of hope for broader applications of this technology. With over 300,000 global implants, WATCHMAN technology has demonstrated substantial benefits, and the FLX Pro variant aims to extend these advantages through improved design and functionality.
The one-time procedure under general anesthesia, typically lasting about an hour, involves placing the permanent device into the heart where it remains unseen from the outside. Patients usually spend one night in the hospital before returning home, poised for a future with potentially reduced stroke risk and less reliance on blood thinners.
Phoenixville Hospital’s adoption of the WATCHMAN FLX Pro device reflects a commitment to integrating cutting-edge treatments into standard care. For patients grappling with NVAF and the accompanying stroke risk, this development offers a promising new avenue for treatment that blends innovation with individualized care.
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