Elliot Health System Performs Its First WATCHMAN™ Procedure, Expanding Stroke Prevention Options for Patients with AFib

Elliot Health System has reached an important milestone in heart and vascular care. This week, the Elliot Heart and Vascular team successfully performed its first WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) procedure, offering a new, minimally invasive option to help reduce stroke risk for patients living with atrial fibrillation (AFib).

AFib affects more than 10.5 million adults in the United States and significantly increases the risk of stroke when left untreated. For many patients, long‑term blood‑thinning medication is an effective way to reduce that risk. However, some individuals cannot tolerate these medications or prefer to avoid them due to bleeding concerns or lifestyle limitations. The WATCHMAN™ implant provides an alternative — and for many, a life‑changing one.

The WATCHMAN™ device is placed during a one‑time, catheter‑based procedure that seals the left atrial appendage, the small area of the heart where most AFib‑related clots form. By closing this space, the device helps prevent clots from entering the bloodstream and causing a stroke. More than 300,000 WATCHMAN™ implants have been performed worldwide, and the therapy continues to expand access to safe, effective stroke prevention.

The inaugural procedure at Elliot Hospital was performed by Kevin C. Floyd, MD, MS, FACC, FHRS, a board‑certified electrophysiologist with more than 20 years of experience in heart rhythm management. Dr. Floyd has performed thousands of WATCHMAN™ procedures throughout his career and recently joined Elliot Cardiovascular Consultants as part of the health system’s expanded Electrophysiology (EP) program.

“The WATCHMAN™ implant gives us another powerful tool to support patients with AFib,” said Dr. Floyd. “For individuals who cannot remain on long‑term anticoagulation, this procedure offers a safe, proven way to reduce stroke risk and improve quality of life.”

This milestone follows the Elliot’s recent expansion of its EP program, which now includes advanced therapies such as Catheter Ablation for AFib and other heart rhythm disorders, as well as comprehensive diagnostic and long‑term rhythm‑management services. Together, these offerings strengthen Elliot’s position as a regional leader in heart rhythm disorder care, providing patients with access to specialized treatment close to home.

Patients typically stay overnight after the WATCHMAN™ procedure and return home the next day. Most resume normal activities soon after, with follow‑up care coordinated through the Elliot Heart and Vascular Center.

To learn more about the WATCHMAN™ implant and the advanced heart rhythm and stroke‑prevention treatments offered at the Elliot Heart and Vascular Center, visit ElliotHospital.org/EP.