Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center Achieves 300th WATCHMAN Implant Milestone

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center has reached a significant milestone in cardiovascular care by successfully performing its 300th implant of the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Device. The landmark procedure was performed on Monday, March 3, by Dr. Lou Mastrine, DO, FACC, underscoring the hospital’s continued commitment to providing cutting-edge stroke prevention options for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib).

"Reaching this milestone in a community hospital setting is a testament to the skill and dedication of our cardiovascular team," said Pam Watt, Market Director of Cardiovascular Services. "With this achievement, we are demonstrating that patients no longer have to travel to larger cities for advanced heart procedures—we’re bringing high-quality, innovative care right here to Johnstown."

The WATCHMAN device is a minimally invasive implant designed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular AFib by closing off the left atrial appendage (LAA)—a small pouch in the heart where blood clots often form. Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) offers a proven alternative to long-term blood thinners, providing stroke protection while lowering the risk of bleeding complications typically associated with anticoagulant medications.

"Reaching the 300th WATCHMAN implant is a significant milestone for our team and for the patients we serve. This procedure has truly transformed the way we manage stroke risk for patients with atrial fibrillation, providing a safer and more effective alternative to long-term blood thinners. I’m incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and expertise in bringing this innovative treatment to our community. It’s a privilege to be able to offer cutting-edge cardiovascular care right here at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, ensuring that our patients receive the best care possible, close to home said Dr Mastrine"

Used in over 300,000 patients worldwide, the WATCHMAN device is a one-time, permanent implant that does not need to be replaced. The device is placed inside the heart during a brief procedure and remains invisible outside the body, making it a highly effective and discreet solution for stroke risk reduction.

“The WATCHMAN FLX™ Pro device represents the latest innovation in stroke prevention technology for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who need an alternative to long-term oral anticoagulation therapy,” said Dr. Vinod Kudagi, MD, Director of Cardiology. “This procedure has provided hundreds of patients in our community with a safer, more effective option for stroke prevention. We are proud to offer this groundbreaking treatment right here at Conemaugh.”

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center has been offering WATCHMAN procedures since 2019, and this achievement further establishes the hospital’s leadership in cardiovascular care. As part of its commitment to delivering advanced treatments locally, the hospital ensures that patients in the region have access to state-of-the-art stroke prevention options without the need to travel outside the community.

For more information on the Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center WATCHMAN procedure, visit Conemaugh.org/cardiology/structural-heart-procedures.