Catholic Medical Center’s (CMC) New England Heart & Vascular Institute (NEHVI) and the Cardiovascular Specialists of New England (CSNE) are pleased to announce the 900th successful WATCHMAN implant. The WATCHMAN™ device offers an alternative to blood thinners, helping reduce stroke risk for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (A-Fib). Over seven million Americans live with A-Fib—a condition that causes an irregular heartbeat and can feel like a quivering heart. People with A-Fib have a five times greater risk of stroke. Currently, preventative treatment includes medication or the WATCHMAN device. In 2015, CMC was the first hospital in New England to offer patients an alternative to long-term blood thinner medications with this innovative device. The WATCHMAN implant closes off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA) to keep harmful blood clots from entering the blood stream 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 blood thinners. “We are proud to partner with CMC’s NEHVI to achieve this remarkable milestone,” stated James M. Flynn, MD, CSNE’s cofounder. “This achievement highlights our commitment to providing advanced, life-saving cardiac care solutions and enhancing the quality of life for our patients. I would like to congratulate Dr. Jamie Kim, who holds the top spot in New Hampshire for the WATCHMAN procedure and the Top 5 in New England.” "Catholic Medical Center’s New England Heart & Vascular Institute has been a cornerstone of cardiovascular care in New Hampshire for more than 30 years," said Robert Capodilupo, MD, FACC, Executive Medical Director of NEHVI. "We remain dedicated to providing cutting-edge technologies like the WATCHMAN, allowing our patients to live healthier lives—without the need to travel long distances for expert cardiac care." 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 and continue taking an anticoagulant course for approximately six weeks. Before medications are discontinued, patients undergo a follow-up test to confirm that the LAA is closed. Click here for more information on the WATCHMAN