Grady performs first WATCHMAN™ procedure

Grady's Heart & Vascular Center has successfully completed its first WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) procedure, marking a major advancement in cardiac care for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib) who are at increased risk of stroke.

The WATCHMAN device, developed by Boston Scientific, is a minimally invasive implant designed to reduce stroke risk in AFib patients who cannot tolerate long-term blood thinners. The device works by closing off the left atrial appendage, where more than 90% of stroke-causing blood clots in AFib patients are formed.

“This milestone reflects our hospital’s continued commitment to bringing the latest, most advanced cardiac treatments to our community,” said Dr. Anekwe Onwuanyi, Chief of Cardiology for Morehouse School of Medicine. “The WATCHMAN procedure provides a life-changing option for patients seeking an alternative to lifelong anticoagulation therapy. We are giving patients safer, more effective options tailored to their unique needs.”

The procedures were performed by Dr. Aman Gupta, Dr. Ifeoma Onuorah and Dr. Caitlin Bradley, a multidisciplinary team including specialists in structural-interventional cardiology, echocardiography and anesthesiology. With the addition of the WATCHMAN program, Grady joins a select group of hospitals nationwide offering this innovative stroke-prevention technology.