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MVHS performs 200th WATCHMAN procedure to prevent strokes

The team at Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS), in partnership with Central New York (CNY) Cardiology, performed the 200th WATCHMAN procedure at the St. Elizabeth Campus on Dec. 21, 2022. (Photo Credit: MVHS)

UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS), in partnership with Central New York (CNY) Cardiology, recently performed the 200th WATCHMAN procedure at its St. Elizabeth campus. WATCHMAN is a one-time procedure that reduces the risk of strokes that originate in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Performed by Faisal Saiful, MD, of CNY Cardiology, the […]

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Performed by Faisal Saiful, MD, of CNY Cardiology, the procedure is an alternative for people who live with a daily risk of stroke and who want an alternative to drug-treatment therapy.

The WATCHMAN device is inserted into the LAA through a small incision in the groin. The procedure does not require open-heart surgery and is typically performed under general anesthesia or conscious sedation. To date, more than 200,000 patients globally have the implanted device.

“I am proud of the program and the partnership we have developed here at MVHS,” Dr. Michael Sassower, medical director of the structural heart program at MVHS, said in a release. “The WATCHMAN device is an important part of stroke management for patients with atrial fibrillation, especially in patients who should be on an oral anticoagulation but cannot take it for various reasons.”

MVHS has offered the WATCHMAN procedure since 2019.

Jornal Staff