At Imperial Health-Cardiovascular Specialists, we are dedicated to bringing innovative, life-changing heart treatments to our community. That commitment is exemplified in a major milestone achieved by Dr. Thomas Mulhearn and the expert cardiovascular team at CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital—the successful completion of 500 WATCHMAN™ procedures right here in Southwest Louisiana.
What is the WATCHMAN™ Implant?
For the 12.1 million Americans affected by atrial fibrillation (AFib)—a condition that causes an irregular heartbeat and increases the risk of stroke—long-term blood thinners have traditionally been the primary solution. The WATCHMAN™ device offers a minimally invasive alternative designed to reduce stroke risk without the need for lifelong medication.
The tiny implant is placed in the left atrial appendage (LAA) of the heart, preventing harmful blood clots from entering the bloodstream and causing a stroke. For many patients, this means the possibility of discontinuing blood thinners after the procedure.
500 Procedures and a Growing Trust in Advanced Cardiac Care
“We are incredibly excited to reach this milestone of 500 WATCHMAN™ procedures,” said Dr. Thomas Mulhearn, Interventional Cardiologist with Imperial Health-Cardiovascular Specialists. “This achievement reflects the growing trust our community places in us to provide advanced, life-changing treatments. The WATCHMAN™ device is giving patients a safer, long-term alternative to blood thinners.”
How the Procedure Works
The WATCHMAN™ procedure is a one-time, minimally invasive treatment that takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
- Performed under general anesthesia
- The device is inserted through a small incision in the upper leg and guided to the heart
- Most patients go home the next day
- Blood thinner therapy continues for about 45 days post-procedure
“This milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team,” said Dr. Jake LeBeau, Interventional Cardiologist at Imperial Health-Cardiovascular Specialists. “We’re proud to offer this life-changing option to our community, giving patients greater peace of mind and freedom from long-term medication.”
What This Means for Patients
For 500 individuals—and counting—this treatment has provided a path to better heart health and stroke prevention without the burden of daily blood thinners.
At Imperial Health-Cardiovascular Specialists, we are proud to be at the forefront of cutting-edge cardiovascular care. If you or a loved one have AFib and are seeking an alternative to blood thinners, schedule a consultation with our expert team today.
Write a comment