Last week, the Structural Heart Team (Dr. Vijay Iyer, MD, PhD (Director); Dr. Chee Kim, MD; and Dr. Ashish Bhatia, MD) at Gates Vascular Institute (GVI), was the first hospital in New York State and one of 8 hospitals in the U.S. to successfully complete their first-ever procedure using the latest-generation WATCHMAN FLX Pro Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) device to perform a left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). This marks a significant milestone for Dr. Iyer and the Structural Heart Team at GVI, as it coincides with their 1000th procedure and the introduction of the latest FDA-approved device that promises to improve the lives of patients with atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation is a common heart condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke and other complications. One of the major risk factors for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation is the formation of blood clots in the left atrial appendage (LAA), a small pouch located in the left side of the heart.
LAAO is a minimally invasive procedure that involves sealing off the LAA to prevent blood clots from forming. The WATCHMAN FLX Pro device is the latest development in LAAO technology and represents a significant improvement over previous devices. It is designed to be more flexible, making it easier to navigate through the heart and position correctly. It also has a smaller profile, which reduces the risk of complications during the procedure.
The Structural Heart Team at GVI are experts in LAAO procedures. Dr. Iyer, an interventional cardiologist with Great Lakes Cardiovascular, has performed hundreds of these procedures over the years and has helped to pioneer the development of new techniques and devices. His use of the WATCHMAN FLX Pro device is a testament to his commitment to providing the most advanced and effective treatments for his patients.
The introduction of the WATCHMAN FLX Pro device is a turning point for the GVI team and represents a major step forward in the management of atrial fibrillation. This device has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people by reducing the risk of stroke and other complications associated with this condition. The GVI team is proud to be at the forefront of this innovation and looks forward to continuing to provide the best possible care for their patients.