People with heart problems will benefit from new treatment offered by St George Private Hospital that lowers the risk of stroke.
Patients suffering from an abnormal heart rhythm, known as atrial fibrillation, can be given a permanent implant that keeps blood clots from entering the bloodstream.
The less invasive keyhole procedure means a patient does not need open heart surgery.
Atrial fibrillation is a major risk factor for heart failure and stroke, increasing the risk of stroke by six times.
It is usually treated with blood thinners, but it can cause side effects.
The Watchman device is implanted into the left side of the heart through a catheter in the groin, and is a suitable treatment for patients who do not tolerate blood thinners, or anticoagulants.
Studies showed that the device is as effective as blood thinners.
St George Private’s cardiac electrophysiologist Sean Gomes was the first cardiologist to perform the procedure at the Kogarah hospital.
He says the procedure is very different to taking long-term anticoagulants.
“This is quite an exciting procedure and one that we have been waiting for,” he said.
“Anticoagulation such as Warfarin reduces the risk of stroke but because it significantly thins the blood there can be bleeding problems, especially for the elderly, most often from the bowel or stomach.
“For many of these patients anticoagulant medications aren’t an option because of the intolerable side effects.
“If patients can have blood thinners, that’s better, but for those who can’t, this is it.
“This is a great alternate for patients who are at a high risk of stroke but aren’t on medication.”
