Redding, CA, November 6, 2024 – Shasta Regional Medical Center will perform the 100th implant of the latest-generation WATCHMAN FLX™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Device on a patient with atrial fibrillation (AF).
Shasta Regional Medical Center is the only hospital in the region providing this important, life-changing procedure eliminating the need of blood thinners for hundreds of patients in our community.
“Offering the Watchman procedure at Shasta Regional Medical Center offers our community the ability to stay locally and close to home. With the Watchman procedure patients are monitored overnight and typically go home the next day, stated Sam Itani, Chief Executive Officer, Shasta Regional Medical Center. “Our goal is always to keep patients local alleviating long travel, and overnight stays out of the area, as the ability to stay close to home and family has shown to be a recovery benefit”.
An estimated seven million Americans are estimated to be affected by AF – an irregular heartbeat that can feel like a quivering heart. People with AF have a five times greater risk of stroke than those with normal heart rhythms. The WATCHMAN FLX device closes off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA) to keep harmful blood clots that can form in the LAA from entering the bloodstream and potentially causing a stroke. By closing off the
LAA, the risk of stroke may be reduced, and, over time, patients may be able to stop taking their blood thinner.
“Building upon the well-established WATCHMAN technology, the WATCHMAN FLX device serves as a safe and effective stroke risk reduction alternative for patients with non-valvular AF, especially those with a compelling reason not to be on blood thinners,” said Dr. Aazib Khan.
“I’m proud to have performed so many device implants at Shasta Regional Medical Center as it offers another patient a potentially life-changing stroke risk treatment and will allow us to treat a broader range of patients going forward.”
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About the Heart Program at Shasta Regional Medical Center Shasta Regional Medical Center is a fully accredited chest pain center. Our Cardiac program brings together board certified Cardiologists, Cardiac and Vascular Surgeons, and Interventional Radiologists tackling Heart and Vascular Disease. From prevention and diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, our staff is committed to combining the latest proven technology with personal care and attention to help you get better.