New procedure implants heart device

A unique new heart procedure offering an advance in stroke prevention was performed at Brisbane Waters Private Hospital recently.

Dr Brendan Gunalingam successfully implanted a "watchman" device in Mr Peter Lach, who suffers from atrial fibrillation.

This was the first time the procedure has been performed on the Central Coast, and only the third time in NSW.

In atrial fibrillation, the upper chamber of the heart beats irregularly, causing blood clots to form, significantly increasing the risk of stroke

The watchman device is a permanent implant designed to close a pouch in the heart called the left atrial appendage and keep potentially harmful blood clots from entering the blood stream.

Dr Gunalingam said the device presented an ideal alternative to blood thinning medication such as warfarin.

"Warfarin is effective in reducing the risk of stroke, but may cause undesirable side effects such as bleeding, and requires the patient to have frequent blood tests," Dr Gunalingam said.

"The device will help to prevent a stroke in patients who have non-valvular atrial fibrillation and either cannot or would prefer not to be on warfarin therapy long term."

Dr Gunalingam guided the implant into Mr Lach's heart through a flexible tube (or catheter) inserted through a vein in his upper leg, while Dr Maged William performed ultrasound imaging of the heart to guide the procedure.

Once the device was in the correct position, it was released.

Dr Gunalingam said Mr Lach has been progressing well since the surgery

With atrial fibrillation affecting one in four Australians over 40, Dr Gunalingam hopes many more of his patients will benefit from this technology.

Press release, 12 Aug 2010 Ella Li, Brisbane Waters Private Hospital