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100th Watchman Procedure Celebrated

June 26th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

Twenty patients were on hand at UPMC Western Maryland on Tuesday to celebrate the 100th Watchman procedure performed at the Heart and Vascular Institute, including the first and 100th patient. 

Dr. Hani Alkhatib began doing the procedure in Cumberland 2 ½ years ago.  The procedure where a device is implanted in the heart to prevent clots is a good choice for those with AFIB who are older or cannot take blood thinners.  Dr. Alkhatib noted that many more positive changes are coming for local patients…