Rodney Reider, Market President and Chief Executive Officer | Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
Rodney Reider, Market President and Chief Executive Officer | Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center has reached a milestone by performing its 300th WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Device implant. This significant procedure took place on March 3 and was conducted by Dr. Lou Mastrine, DO, FACC. The hospital's dedication to offering advanced stroke prevention options for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib) is evident through this achievement.
Pam Watt, Market Director of Cardiovascular Services, remarked, "Reaching this milestone in a community hospital setting is a testament to the skill and dedication of our cardiovascular team." She emphasized that patients no longer need to travel to larger cities for such procedures, as they can receive high-quality care in Johnstown.
The WATCHMAN device aims to reduce stroke risk in patients with non-valvular AFib by closing off the left atrial appendage (LAA), where blood clots often form. This method provides an alternative to long-term blood thinners, minimizing bleeding risks associated with anticoagulant medications.
Dr. Mastrine stated, "Reaching the 300th WATCHMAN implant is a significant milestone for our team and for the patients we serve." He highlighted how this procedure transforms stroke risk management for AFib patients by offering a safer option than long-term blood thinners.
Globally used in over 300,000 patients, the WATCHMAN device is a permanent implant placed inside the heart during a brief procedure. It remains invisible outside the body while effectively reducing stroke risk.
Dr. Vinod Kudagi, MD, Director of Cardiology, added that “The WATCHMAN FLX Pro device represents the latest innovation in stroke prevention technology.” He noted that hundreds of community members have benefited from this treatment option at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center.
Since 2019, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center has offered WATCHMAN procedures and continues to lead in cardiovascular care within the region. The hospital ensures local access to state-of-the-art treatments without requiring travel beyond the community.
For further information on Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center's WATCHMAN procedure offerings, visit their website at Conemaugh.org/cardiology/structural-heart-procedures.
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