Independence Health System’s Westmoreland Hospital Performs 500th WATCHMAN™ Heart Implant Procedure

GREENSBURG, PA, Jan. 15, 2025 … Independence Health System’s Westmoreland Hospital today announced that its Heart, Lung & Vascular Institute specialists successfully implanted their 500th patient with the WATCHMAN™ left atrial appendage closure device to reduce stroke risk. The device is designed for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (also known as nonvalvular AFib) and enables them to forego lifelong blood thinners while reducing risk of stroke. Electrophysiology experts Bassel Sayegh, MD, FHRS, and Raveen Bazaz, MD, each contributed significantly to achieving this milestone.  

An estimated seven million Americans are affected by AFib – an irregular heartbeat that can feel like a quivering heart. People with AFib have a five times greater risk of stroke than those with normal heart rhythms and AFib-related strokes are frequently fatal and more disabling. The WATCHMAN™ device closes off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA) to keep harmful blood clots that can form there from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke. By closing off the LAA, the risk of stroke may be reduced and, over time, most patients are able to stop taking their blood thinners decreasing the risk of bleeding and improving overall quality of life. 

“This milestone is a testament to Independence Health System and the team’s dedication and expertise in advancing heart care,” said Dr. Sayegh. “We are excited to continue offering personalized care using the most modern technologies to every patient who comes to us. Each day that we can give AFib patients a safe option to stay protected from stroke while eliminating risks from their blood thinners is a truly rewarding day.” 

“Today’s procedure celebrates the excellent team at Westmoreland Hospital and the ability to provide the community with access to state-of-the-art technology,” said Dr. Bazaz. “The device enables us to protect those at highest risk from disabling strokes who have AFib and are not good candidates for blood thinners. We are proud to have success and safety rates that can rival the best institutions in the world. We hope to continue expanding our success.”  

For more information on the latest generation device in use at Westmoreland Hospital — WATCHMAN FLX Pro — visit www.watchman.com/flxpro. 

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925.  With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties.  

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services.  Learn more at www.independence.health