July 7, 2025 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

Hama Sushi Hosts Weekly Music and Comedy Open Mics

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The venue, a Venice Beach staple since 1979, has recently expanded its legendary happy hour to the entire patio Hama...

Connections Breakfast to Network Local Business Professionals in Malibu

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The event, sponsored by Malibu Country Mart, will feature a breakfast mixer where attendees can meet new contacts  A Connections...

12th Annual Gopher Scramble Golf Tournament to Benefit Venice Heritage Museum

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The museum opened to the public in March 2024 at the Main Street Design Center with its inaugural exhibition, “This...

Michael Madsen, Star of Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, Dies at 67 in Malibu

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

Actor Remembered for His Intense Performances and as a Poet  Actor Michael Madsen, known for his distinctive gravelly voice and...

Ruskin Group Theatre to Stage ‘The Fantasticks’

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

A timeless tale of young love and life’s bittersweet beauty, the show is reimagined with modern flair for contemporary audiences...

Film Review: F1: The Movie

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

FILM REVIEWF1: THE MOVIERated PG-13155 MinutesReleased June 27th F1: The Movie will envelop you in a racecar. You will be...

Big Blue Bus Launches Prohibition Order Program to Bolster Safety

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

The orders, which can range from 30 days to one year, target offenses that threaten the safety and comfort of...

Col. Eric Swenson Honored by LA for Historic Debris Removal Effort

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

Swenson, with a distinguished military background including a Ph.D. and multiple master’s degrees from Penn State and other institutions, has...

(Video) A visit to New York Bagel & Deli in Santa Monica

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

Authentic NY Style Bagels with Extra Creamy Cream Cheese and Multi-Cultural Desserts. Located at 2216 Wilshire Blvd. A visit to...

(Video) Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Go To Homefrontbuild.com For More Information @home_front_build Legacy, Reimagined: Architecture, Design & Construction by Home Front Build Los Angeles. Go...

(Video) Gladstone’s Malibu Prepares for Reopening after Surviving Palisades Fires

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

With One Half of its Structure Slightly Charred and Undergoing Repairs, Gladstone’s Malibu is Reopening its Patio Space Just in...

Santa Monica Public Library Launches Community Mapping Survey

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

The initiative aims to shape the library’s programs and services to better meet community needs, fostering an inclusive and accessible...

Third Street Promenade Loses Bibibop Asian Grill

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Bibibop opened at the Santa Monica location in 2017 after taking over a former ShopHouse space Bibibop Asian Grill, a...

Proposed Rebuilding Authority for Wildfire Recovery Sparks Local Control Debate

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Plan Aims to Streamline Rebuilding but Raises Questions Over Community Input A proposed “Resilient Rebuilding Authority” to oversee recovery from...

Pentagon Orders Troop Drawdown in LA: 150 National Guard Members Reassigned to Wildfire Duty

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Federal Forces Begin Partial Withdrawal From Protest Response as California Leaders Push Back U.S. Northern Command announced Tuesday that 150 National Guard...