North Alabama Medical Center (NAMC) has made a significant advancement in cardiac care by becoming the first hospital in Northwest Alabama to provide an innovative alternative for patients suffering from non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). This new option is the WATCHMAN FLX™ Pro Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Device, and the initial procedure was successfully conducted by Dr. Tom McElderry.
This groundbreaking technology is now available in the Shoals area, offering patients a means to mitigate their stroke risk without the need for lifelong oral anticoagulation therapy. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with atrial fibrillation that is not linked to any heart valve issues. The WATCHMAN device works by sealing off the left atrial appendage (LAA), a small pouch in the heart where blood clots can form. By preventing these clots from entering the bloodstream, the device significantly lowers the chances of experiencing a stroke. Furthermore, patients may eventually discontinue their use of blood thinners after the LAA is closed.
The latest iteration of the WATCHMAN FLX Pro device boasts several enhancements, including a thromboresistant polymer coating known as HEMOCOAT™ technology, which aims to minimize the risk of blood clots forming around the device. Additionally, it features visualization markers that aid in precise placement and is available in a larger size to accommodate patients with bigger LAAs. These improvements are designed to ensure that a diverse range of patients can be treated safely and effectively, ultimately leading to better long-term health outcomes.
One of the first recipients of this LAAC device at NAMC is Das Borden, who represents the approximately seven million Americans living with atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat that can feel like a quivering sensation in the chest. After enduring several years of heart-related challenges, including AFib and heart flutters, Borden was informed in late June that the LAAC device would be the most suitable option for his condition, which initially required a trip to Birmingham for the procedure.
Borden expressed his concerns about traveling, stating, “We are born and raised in the Shoals area and had some anxiety about traveling.” However, just weeks before his scheduled appointment, he learned that NAMC had received approval to perform the procedure locally, making him the first patient to benefit from this new service.
Dr. McElderry, who serves as the chair of electrophysiology at UAB Hospital and practices at NAMC monthly, has a wealth of experience, having implanted around 500 WATCH