Dr. Matthew Kolek, specialist in the treatment of complex cardiac arrhythmias,
ushered in the new service for Jupiter Medical Center's rapidly growing
Heart & Vascular Institute with the hospital’s first WATCHMAN™ implant procedure. The WATCHMAN™ implant is the only
FDA-approved device proven to reduce stroke risk due to non-valvular atrial fibrillation
(AFib) and does not require long-term blood-thinning medications.
JUPITER, Fla. (March 16, 2021) – Jupiter Medical Center, rated No. 1 in
safety, quality and patient satisfaction, added another leading-edge treatment
to its rapidly expanding Heart & Vascular Institute with its first
WATCHMAN™ implant procedure. The WATCHMAN™ implant—approved
by the FDA to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation
that is not caused by heart valve problems—will be of tremendous
benefit to those seeking AFib treatment without the use of blood thinners
like Warfarin.
“The side effects of blood thinners for some patients have been well
documented,” says Amit Rastogi, MD, MHCM, CEO of Jupiter Medical
Center. “This WATCHMAN™ implant procedure provides our cardiac
care team with another important tool in the treatment of non-valvular
atrial fibrillation. We are delighted to offer this advanced care to those
throughout Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast who may benefit.”
Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal beating of the heart that not only is
uncomfortable but can have serious health consequences including stroke.
An abnormally beating heart is susceptible to creating blood clots, which
can lead to stroke, and patients with AFib are five times more likely
to suffer a stroke than those without. AFib stroke victims are also more
apt to suffer fatal or more debilitating strokes than those resulting
from other causes.
Over 90% of stroke-causing blood clots that come from the heart form in
a small area called the left atrial appendage. Permanently closing off
this area with the WATCHMAN™ implant is an effective way to reduce
stroke risk in patients with AFib not caused by valve problems. The procedure
usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital and the device is implanted
by catheterization, not by open-heart surgery.
An estimated 5 million Americans are affected by AFib, and over 50,000
of them have undergone the WATCHMAN™ implant procedure.
Jupiter Medical Center
Rated No. 1 for safety, quality and patient satisfaction, Jupiter Medical
Center is the leading destination for world-class health care in Palm
Beach County and across the Treasure Coast. The award-winning hospital
is iconic throughout the state because of its outstanding team of physicians,
state-of-the-art facilities, innovative techniques and technologies and
commitment to compassionate care. Jupiter Medical Center is recognized
as the region’s only independent, not-for-profit hospital providing
an array of inpatient and outpatient services, including Heart and Vascular
Healthcare, Oncology, Orthopedics and Women & Children’s Healthcare
Services. For more information about Jupiter Medical Center, please call
(561) 263-2234 or visit
www.jupitermed.com.