Pepin Heart Institute Achieves Landmark 1,000th WATCHMAN Procedure in Tampa Bay

Pepin Heart Institute at AdventHealth Tampa: A Milestone in Cardiovascular Care

On June 6, 2025, the Pepin Heart Institute, part of AdventHealth Tampa, achieved a significant milestone in cardiovascular healthcare by becoming the first institution in the Tampa Bay area to successfully complete 1,000 WATCHMAN™ procedures. This remarkable achievement underscores the hospital's dedication to providing advanced heart care for patients suffering from atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition that increases the risk of stroke and cardiovascular complications.

The WATCHMAN device is a minimally invasive solution designed to prevent strokes in patients with non-valvular AFib. Approximately the size of a quarter, it is inserted through a catheter into a vein in the upper leg, ultimately being placed in the heart's left atrial appendage, where over 90% of stroke-causing clots form. After its placement, the WATCHMAN serves as a long-term safeguard against stroke, allowing many patients to reduce their reliance on anticoagulants.

Dr. Kenneth Yamamura, a board-certified electrophysiologist at the Pepin Heart Institute, celebrated this achievement, stating, "Completing our 1,000th WATCHMAN procedure reflects our commitment to delivering leading-edge cardiovascular care using the most advanced techniques available. The WATCHMAN allows us to reduce our patients' stroke risk and help them come off blood thinners over time, significantly improving their quality of life."

One such success story is that of Gregory Kingery, a patient from Sebring who underwent the WATCHMAN procedure after battling with AFib. Once struggling to breathe and walk, Kingery credits the WATCHMAN with rejuvenating his life. "There are a lot of people who don’t get a second lease on life. I'm grateful I did," he expressed, highlighting the profound impact of this innovative procedure.

The Pepin Heart Institute has a storied history, founded over 35 years ago to enhance heart care accessibility in the Tampa Bay region. Art Pepin, the institute's originator, established the facility after facing the challenges of a distant heart transplant in 1986. His journey inspired a mission fueled by personal experience, leading to the creation of a healthcare haven available to those in need right in their community. Today, that mission continues through the efforts of his son, Tom Pepin, and granddaughter, Tina Pepin, who are dedicated to expanding access to vital cardiovascular treatments via the Pepin Family Foundation.

"This procedure isn't just a number; it’s about lives transformed," Tommy Pepin remarked during a celebratory event on June 4, acknowledging the importance of such innovative procedures in the community. Since initiating the WATCHMAN procedure at Pepin Heart Institute in 2015, the facility has solidified its position at the forefront of cardiovascular medicine.

Tina Pepin added, "We’re proud to carry on that legacy, ensuring world-class, compassionate care is available right here in Tampa Bay. It is a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and whole-person care."

The Pepin Heart Institute, in collaboration with the Dr. Kiran C. Patel Research Institute, continues to provide patients with early access to groundbreaking therapies and technologies, thriving in a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to heart health. This latest milestone not only signifies the skilled teamwork at the institute but also marks a promising future for cardiovascular care in the Tampa Bay area.

To learn more about the innovative procedures and services offered at the Pepin Heart Institute, visit AdventHealthPepinHeart.com.