Kansas City, Kan- Seventy-nine-year-old Joe Myers loves to hike, but his atrial fibrillation meant he relied on blood thinners to reduce his risk of stroke. Looking for another option, Joe turned to the team at The University of Kansas Health System in Olathe, where he recently became the 600th patient there to receive the Watchman device. The minimally invasive procedure seals off the part of the heart—where most stroke-causing clots form in people with AFib—allowing many patients to eventually stop taking blood thinners. Joe’s recovery has been smooth, and if all goes as expected, he hopes to come off the medication at his six-month follow-up.
Joe Myers, Patient
Joe experienced shortness of breath during a hike in Colorado, leading to a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AFib) by Dr. Ravi Yarlagada.
Joe underwent three ablations, got a pacemaker, and was on blood thinners to reduce the risk of clots, but the blood thinners posed risks due to his active lifestyle.
Joe was a perfect candidate for the Watchman.
Norina Myers, Patient’s wife
Norina recommends the Watchman procedure to others, especially as people get older and are more prone to falls.
As active hikers, Norina share’s their experiences and the benefits of the Watchman procedure for their active lifestyle.
Dr. Ravi Yarlagada, Electrophysiologist, The University of Kansas Health System
Dr. Yarlagada explains atrial fibrillation (AFib)
Dr. Yarlagada suggested the Watchman procedure, which would implant a device into Joe’s heart to seal off the left atrial appendage, eliminating the need for blood thinners.
Rebecca Johann, The Director of Perioperative and Procedural Services, The University of Kansas Health System
Rebecca Johann discusses the simple recovery process and the benefits of the Watchman procedure compared to other heart procedures.
Rebecca Johann provides information on how to determine eligibility for the Watchman procedure and the process of getting scheduled.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control
Dr. Hawkinson provides an update on the respiratory virus season, noting a decrease in influenza-like illnesses nationwide.
Covid admissions have overtaken influenza admissions at the health system, but overall respiratory virus circulation is improving.
Dr. Hawkinson discusses a study linking the shingles vaccine to a lower risk of dementia, noting that Ontario’s shingles vaccination program led to fewer dementia cases.
