ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona hospital becomes state’s 1st to implant new device to reduce stroke risk

Oct 10, 2023, 4:25 AM

PHOENIX — Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital in Phoenix last week became the first health center in the state to implant a new device designed to reduce stroke risk.

The hospital, which is located on Thomas Road and State Route 51, implanted the Watchman FLX Pro left atrial appendage closure device on Oct. 3.

“Treating the first patient in the state with this procedure is a significant milestone for our facility as we celebrate 25 years of patient care. Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital has a long history of bringing new developments in medicine to Arizona,” Chief Administrative Officer Nathan Worley said in a press release.

“We are proud to offer this option for treating patients who are at high risk for stroke.”

What is the Watchman FLX Pro device and how does it work?

The Watchman FLX Pro is used for people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, otherwise known as an irregular heartbeat that can feel like a quivering heart.

The device works by blocking off a part of the heart called the left atrial appendage to prevent blood clots that form there from entering into the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke. Through closing off the left atrial appendage, stroke risk can be reduced and patients can possibly quit taking blood thinners.

Working off of previous generations of the device, the Watchman FLX Pro contains a polymer coating that was built to reduce the risk of device-related clots.

It was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Sept. 6.

“The Watchman FLX Pro is the latest-generation device designed to reduce stroke risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who need an alternative to oral anticoagulation therapy,” Dr. Ashish Sadhu said in the release.

“I’m proud to have performed the first implant of this device at Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, as it offers another patient a potentially life-changing stroke risk treatment and will allow us to treat a broad range of patients thanks to the expanded size matrix.”

Around 6 millions Americans are estimated to be affected by non-valvular atrial fibrillation, Abrazo Health said.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

2 hours ago

Honeywell Aerospace...

Collin Huguley and Jeff Gifford/Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace to go its own way amid company split

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace Technologies is going to become a separate entity now that Honeywell International Inc. plans to follow through with a major shake-up.

3 hours ago

fatal shooting southeast Phoenix one man dead...

Payne Moses

Police investigating fatal shooting that left 1 man dead in southeast Phoenix

Phoenix police are investigating a fatal shooting in southeast Phoenix on Friday that left one man dead. The incident is being viewed as an act of self-defense.

11 hours ago

Phoenix woman hit killed by car West Phoenix...

Payne Moses

Woman dead after hit by car while crossing street in west Phoenix

An adult woman was struck and killed by a car on Friday while crossing a street in west Phoenix, authorities said.

12 hours ago

I17 Bumble Bee bridge ADOT construction Feb. 10-12 overnight...

Payne Moses

I-17 overnight closures next week to remove old Bumble Bee bridge

The southbound Interstate 17 will be closed overnight from Monday to Wednesday due to scheduled reconstruction of the Bumble Bee bridge.

13 hours ago

asthma GSK Arizona AG Kris Mayes sues for exploiting drug maker...

Payne Moses

Arizona AG accuses asthma drug maker of scheming to avoid Medicaid rebates

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Thursday sued drug producer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for harm done to asthma patients by discontinuing a long-time product.

15 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Arizona hospital becomes state’s 1st to implant new device to reduce stroke risk