26 • The Beacon February 29 , 2024
Genesis Heart & Vascular celebrates a milestone
Genesis HealthCare System ’ s heart and vascular team recently performed its 300th WATCHMAN Implant procedure . The WATCHMAN Implant is completed through a minimally invasive procedure and can reduce the risk of stroke and eliminate the use of blood thinners for patients with atrial fibrillation . Kinan Kassar , M . D .
fellowship-trained , boardcertified interventional and structural cardiologist , and Shaun Bhatty , M . D ., fellowship-trained , board-certified electrophysiologist , who are part of the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute , perform the procedure .
Kassar said , “ We are thrilled to have helped 300 patients so far with the WATCHMAN Implant . This procedure reduces the risk of stroke and helps our patients avoid the risk of bleeding and traumatic injuries related to blood thinners .”
“ We are thrilled to have helped 300 patients so far with the WATCHMAN Implant .”
- Kinan Kassar , M . D .
Atrial fibrillation is a common type of heart arrhythmia that causes the heart to beat irregularly . It occurs when upper chambers of the heart ( right and left atria ) no longer contract but instead quiver , allowing blood to stagnate and blood clots to form , especially in the left atrial appendage .
During the procedure the WATCHMAN Implant is inserted through a thin tube that runs from a blood vessel in the upper leg to the left atrial appendage of the heart . The WATCHMAN Implant seals off the left atrial appendage , where 90 % of stroke-causing blood clots come from within the heart . Patients typically return home on the same day . Most WATCHMAN patients can stop using blood thinners 45 days after the procedure and in some cases immediately after the procedure .
For more information on the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute , visit www . genesishcs . org / heart .
Information night held at CCCC
Judd Bone
The Coshocton County Career Center career-tech showcase and student parent information night was held Feb . 22 .