March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Providence Saint John’s In Santa Monica Among First To Offer Newly Approved Heart Device:

Two patients, one who waited seven years, underwent a newly approved heart procedure on Monday at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica utlilizing a device that guards against stroke and blood clots for those who suffer from irregular heart rhythms – atrial fibrillation.

The patients were among the first in the nation to receive the WATCHMAN implant since it was approved March 13 by the Food and Drug Administration as an alternative to blood-thinning drugs and their serious side effects.

Shephal Doshi, M.D., a cardio-electrophysiologist with 100 patients on a waiting list, performed the procedures.

At 8 am, Mary Thomsen, 77, became one of the first recipients of the WATCHMAN following FDA approval.

“I’m thrilled,” she said. “Dr. Doshi said I’m a perfect candidate for the procedure.”

A year ago, Thomsen developed atrial fibrillation, and a blood-thinner was prescribed. Within a few days the medication caused hemorrhaging, but when she stopped taking the drug she suffered a stroke. Another blood-thinner was prescribed, which she tolerated even though it was difficult to regulate the dose.

“It has changed lives,” Dr. Doshi said. “One of the biggest issues and concerns for patients on blood thinning medication is uncontrolled bleeding – the impending fear of doom. As many a-fib patients are older, they are at increased risk of bleeding and at risk for falling and suffering a trauma that can lead to bleeding. Because of this, many a-fib patients at high risk of stroke are not prescribed long term therapy with blood thinners. This procedure provides an alternative to long term blood thinners and provides stroke risk reduction therapy for many patients who have no other good options. To see people getting active again, riding bikes, and overall improving their cardiovascular health is what motivates me.”

More than 3 million Americans take blood-thinners, such as warfarin, most commonly marketed as Coumadin. The medications are effective in reducing strokes and decreasing heart clots in patients with atrial fibrillation – irregular rhythms. The risk of bleeding, however, is always present.  In fact, medication often is halted for even minor procedures such as dental teeth cleanings.

Eighty-four-year-old Robert Carlson underwent a quadruple bypass 16 years ago, and since then has experienced a-fib. He registered for the WATCHMAN clinical trial, but was not chosen, and eagerly awaited FDA approval of the device.

“I kept hearing about how successful it was and how everyone had a better quality of life after receiving the device, so I was anxious to have this done,” Carlson said. “Dr. Doshi told me when the trials were finished and the device eventually approved that I could be one of the first patients to have a WATCHMAN procedure.”

Now that the WATCHMAN is available commercially, Dr. Doshi, who has helped train physicians in 14 countries on four continents, will be a part of a select group of national physicians providing training for other cardiologists from other health systems across the country. Many of these training courses are planned at Providence Saint John’s.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...