Milestone heart procedure performed at Conemaugh Memorial
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center recently performed its milestone 300th procedure using the Watchman Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device.
Dr. Lou Mastrine did the operation March 3.
A Watchman is a minimally invasive one-time implant that closes off the heart's left atrial appendage, a small pouch where clots often form. It is designed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. In a clinical study, 96% of patients who received a Watchman were able to stop taking blood thinners within 45 days of getting the implant.
'Reaching the 300th Watchman implant is a significant milestone for our team and for the patients we serve,' Mastrine said.
'This procedure has truly transformed the way we manage stroke risk for patients with atrial fibrillation, providing a safer and more effective alternative to long-term blood thinners.
'I'm incredibly proud of our team's dedication and expertise in bringing this innovative treatment to our community.
'It's a privilege to be able to offer cutting-edge cardiovascular care right here at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, ensuring that our patients receive the best care possible, close to home.'
The Watchman has been used at Conemaugh since 2019.
Offering the implant is part of the hospital's overall heart care program that included opening the new $77 million Cardiovascular and Surgical Care Pavilion in 2024.
Vinod Kudagi
'This procedure has provided hundreds of patients in our community with a safer, more effective option for stroke prevention,' Dr. Vinod Kudagi, the hospital's director of cardiology, said. 'We are proud to offer this groundbreaking treatment right here at Conemaugh.'
More than 500,000 people worldwide have received Watchman implants.
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