New heart procedure helps Lake County residents lower stroke risk

AdventHealth Waterman has performed its first WATCHMAN FLX Pro procedure, introducing a new way to help people lower their risk of stroke without long-term blood thinners. It is designed for those with atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm condition that causes the heart to beat irregularly.

The minimally invasive procedure uses a device about the size of a bottle cap that prevents clots from forming in a small pocket of the heart where blood tends to collect during atrial fibrillation. When blood sits still, it can form clots that may travel to the brain and cause a stroke. The WATCHMAN device acts like a cap to seal off that pocket, eliminating the chance that a clot will escape.

“For many people with AFib, blood thinners are essential, but not everyone can take them safely long term,” said Dr. Vatsal Inamdar, a cardiac electrophysiologist who led the first case at Waterman. “By guiding the WATCHMAN through a vein in the leg, we can close off the area in the heart where clots tend to form in patients with AFib. For some patients, it lowers stroke risk and may reduce the need for lifelong medication.” 

The procedure is minimally invasive, typically takes about an hour, and allows most patients to return home the next day. After follow-up imaging confirms complete seal of the “pocket,” many patients can stop long-term blood thinners under a doctor’s guidance. 

Stroke prevention is a growing priority in Lake County, where more than one in four residents is over age 65 and at increased cardiovascular risk.

Building on that need, AdventHealth Waterman continues to strengthen its heart and stroke programs to provide specialized care within the community. The hospital was recently recognized with the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®–Stroke Gold Plus award for its consistent, evidence-based approach to treatment — a reflection of its ongoing commitment to helping people live healthier lives.

Offering the WATCHMAN procedure locally builds on that same foundation, ensuring residents can access specialized care by the same care teams they already trust.

“This is about care that fits real life,” Inamdar said. “When advanced heart care is available where people live, they get treated sooner, recover within their community, and have loved ones by their side.”