NAMC Performs Northwest Alabama’s First Procedure with WATCHMAN FLX Pro

FLORENCE, Ala., – North Alabama Medical Center (NAMC) recently became the first hospital in Northwest Alabama to offer patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) an alternative to oral anticoagulation therapy with the WATCHMAN FLX™ Pro Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Device. The procedure was performed by Tom McElderry, MD.

NAMC is the first in the Shoals area to offer this latest LAAC technology that is designed to reduce stroke risk and serve as an alternative to the lifelong use of blood thinners for people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem.

The device, which has been implanted in more than 300,000 patients worldwide, closes off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA) to keep harmful blood clots that can form in the LAA from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke. By closing off the LAA, the risk of stroke may be reduced and, over time, patients may be able to stop oral anticoagulation therapy.

The newest WATCHMAN FLX Pro device has an updated design with three new features – a thromboresistant polymer coating (HEMOCOAT™ technology) designed to help reduce the risk of device-related thrombus (blood clotting around the device), visualization markers for enhanced placement and a larger size for patients with larger LAAs – to help treat a wide range of patients safely and effectively to ensure the best long-term outcomes.

Das Borden, who received the LAAC device at NAMC, is one of an estimated seven million Americans who are affected by AF – an irregular heartbeat that can feel like a quivering heart.

Following years of heart-related issues, including AFib and a heart flutter, Borden was advised in late June that the LAAC device would be the best option with a possible trip to Birmingham for the procedure.

“We are born and raised in the Shoals area and had some anxiety about traveling,” said Borden. “Just a few weeks before our next scheduled visit, we were told that we needed to go ahead with the procedure and that NAMC had just been approved to do it. I was going to be the first one.”

McElderry, who is the chair of electrophysiology at UAB Hospital, also practices at NAMC on a monthly basis, has installed approximately 500 WATMAN devices in his career.

“It was a Godsend,” said Bettina Borden, Das’ wife of 33 years. “So many people worked together to make this happen and now he is just doing great. We are so thankful.”

North Alabama Medical Center continues to install LAAC devices locally. For more information about North Alabama Cardiology, call 256-766-2118.