Boston Scientific Release: Rose Medical Center Among First Hospitals In Colorado Offering Alternative To Long-Term Warfarin Medication With Newly Approved WATCHMAN LAAC Implant
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rose Medical Center is among the first hospitals in Colorado to offer patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (Afib) an alternative to long-term warfarin medication with the newly approved WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Implant, developed by Boston Scientific.
“For patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who are seeking an alternative to warfarin, the WATCHMAN Implant offers a potentially life-changing stroke risk treatment option which could free them from the challenges of long-term warfarin therapy.”
People with Afib have a five times greater risk of stroke.1 Afib can cause blood to pool and form clots in the left atrial appendage (LAA). For patients with non-valvular Afib, the LAA is believed to be the source of most stroke-causing blood clots.2 The WATCHMAN Implant closes off the LAA to keep blood clots from entering the blood stream. By closing off the LAA, stroke risk may be reduced and—over time—patients may be able to stop taking warfarin.
Rose Medical Center’s first WATCHMAN Implant procedure was performed by Christopher Stees, D.O., of the Rocky Mountain Heart Rhythm Institute (RMHRI) at Rose. Dr. Stees was joined by RMHRI colleagues Bridget Beck, M.D. and Michael Wahl, M.D. for the procedure.
“The new WATCHMAN LAAC Implant provides physicians with a breakthrough stroke risk reduction option for patients with non-valvular Afib,” said Dr. Stees. “For patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who are seeking an alternative to warfarin, the WATCHMAN Implant offers a potentially life-changing stroke risk treatment option which could free them from the challenges of 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.
About The Rocky Mountain Heart Rhythm Institute at Rose Medical Center
The Rocky Mountain Heart Rhythm Institute at Rose Medical Center was founded to offer the very best in comprehensive treatment for patients with abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation. RMHRI’s expert team consists of a dedicated cardiologist, experienced electrophysiologists and renowned cardiovascular surgeons providing the highest quality of care. Through groundbreaking procedures and cutting-edge technology, RMHRI at Rose has earned a place at the forefront of advanced care for treatment of Afib and other irregular heart rhythms.
About Rose Medical Center
Well known as a Denver institution and a 9th Avenue landmark for nearly 70 years, Rose Medical Center has earned its reputation as Denver's "Baby Hospital" while becoming a leader in comprehensive women's care, orthopedics and total joint replacement, heart and vascular care, weight-loss treatment, cancer care, surgical services, internal medicine and emergency care. With origins in Jewish teachings, traditions and community, Rose’s founders built this hospital to “serve the need of every creed.” By offering a high level of expertise and service across all disciplines, Rose has truly become a destination hospital, attracting patients from throughout Colorado and around the world. Learn more at RoseMed.com.
About Boston Scientific
Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices that are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties. For more information, please visit: www.bostonscientific.com.
| 1. | Holmes DR, Seminars in Neurology 2010; 30:528–536 | |
| 2. | Blackshear J. and Odell J., Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 1996;61:755-759 |