Sarasota Memorial Hospital Recognized as Top WATCHMAN Provider Worldwide
On February 6, 2025, Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) proudly announced it has achieved the number one global ranking among all providers of the WATCHMAN device, a revolutionary cardiac implant designed to protect people suffering from atrial fibrillation (A-fib). This significant milestone underscores the dedication and expertise of the hospital's electrophysiology team, who have successfully implanted the WATCHMAN device in over 3,000 patients, making it the first hospital out of approximately 1,000 worldwide to reach this remarkable achievement.
The WATCHMAN device, first approved by the FDA in 2015, provides an innovative alternative to long-term blood thinner usage for patients with A-fib. A-fib is a common heart rhythm disorder that affects around 10 million individuals, leading to increased risks of stroke due to blood clots that may form in the heart. The WATCHMAN device effectively seals off the left atrial appendage (LAA) of the heart, a site where these dangerous clots typically develop. By creating a barrier, the device prevents clots from entering the bloodstream, thus significantly lowering the risk of strokes without the need for continuous medication.
On the day of the announcement, Dr. Robert Eckart, an esteemed electrophysiologist at SMH, celebrated his 1,500th WATCHMAN case. This remarkable achievement not only highlights Dr. Eckart's unwavering commitment to patient care but also positions him as one of the top-performing physicians globally in WATCHMAN implantations over the past two years. His contributions alongside a skilled team of cardiac specialists, including Dr. Edmund Bermudez, Dr. Martin Ginic-Espinosa, and several others, have been pivotal in achieving this milestone for the hospital.
The WATCHMAN procedure itself, which is conducted using minimally invasive techniques, typically requires only general anesthesia and lasts less than an hour. Most patients are able to return home the same day, showcasing the procedure's efficiency and low complication rates. This advantage has broadened the options available to A-fib patients, who previously relied heavily on medications that can carry significant side effects.
Dr. James Fiorica, Chief Medical Officer at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, expressed pride in the team's accomplishments and emphasized the importance of treating A-fib. He remarked, "Treating A-fib is vital for health, significantly reducing hospitalizations and fatalities. The WATCHMAN device is life-changing. Over half a million people worldwide have benefitted from this transformative technology."
Gaining this top designation as a WATCHMAN provider not only enhances the hospital's reputation but also reflects SMH's commitment to providing excellent patient outcomes through advanced and innovative medical practices. The institution's comprehensive cardiac program is a direct response to the growing demand for specialized cardiac care, positioning it as a leading center for heart health in the region.
As Sarasota Memorial Health Care System gears up to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025, it invites the community to learn more about its commitment to heart care and advancements in cardiac technology. For more detailed information about the WATCHMAN device and the cardiac services offered, individuals can visit www.smh.com/heart and www.watchman.com.
The WATCHMAN device, first approved by the FDA in 2015, provides an innovative alternative to long-term blood thinner usage for patients with A-fib. A-fib is a common heart rhythm disorder that affects around 10 million individuals, leading to increased risks of stroke due to blood clots that may form in the heart. The WATCHMAN device effectively seals off the left atrial appendage (LAA) of the heart, a site where these dangerous clots typically develop. By creating a barrier, the device prevents clots from entering the bloodstream, thus significantly lowering the risk of strokes without the need for continuous medication.
On the day of the announcement, Dr. Robert Eckart, an esteemed electrophysiologist at SMH, celebrated his 1,500th WATCHMAN case. This remarkable achievement not only highlights Dr. Eckart's unwavering commitment to patient care but also positions him as one of the top-performing physicians globally in WATCHMAN implantations over the past two years. His contributions alongside a skilled team of cardiac specialists, including Dr. Edmund Bermudez, Dr. Martin Ginic-Espinosa, and several others, have been pivotal in achieving this milestone for the hospital.
The WATCHMAN procedure itself, which is conducted using minimally invasive techniques, typically requires only general anesthesia and lasts less than an hour. Most patients are able to return home the same day, showcasing the procedure's efficiency and low complication rates. This advantage has broadened the options available to A-fib patients, who previously relied heavily on medications that can carry significant side effects.
Dr. James Fiorica, Chief Medical Officer at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, expressed pride in the team's accomplishments and emphasized the importance of treating A-fib. He remarked, "Treating A-fib is vital for health, significantly reducing hospitalizations and fatalities. The WATCHMAN device is life-changing. Over half a million people worldwide have benefitted from this transformative technology."
Gaining this top designation as a WATCHMAN provider not only enhances the hospital's reputation but also reflects SMH's commitment to providing excellent patient outcomes through advanced and innovative medical practices. The institution's comprehensive cardiac program is a direct response to the growing demand for specialized cardiac care, positioning it as a leading center for heart health in the region.
As Sarasota Memorial Health Care System gears up to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025, it invites the community to learn more about its commitment to heart care and advancements in cardiac technology. For more detailed information about the WATCHMAN device and the cardiac services offered, individuals can visit www.smh.com/heart and www.watchman.com.
Topics Health）
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