Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Gabrielle Sellitti
Physicians Regional Healthcare System recently introduced The Watchman Procedure to their new Open Heart Center. The Watchman procedure makes it possible for patients with atrial fibrillation to permanently stop taking blood thinning (anticoagulant) drugs.
The Watchman implant fits right into the left atrial appendage. This closes off or seals the part of the heart where most clots originate, reducing the chances for stroke.
The Heart Center’s first cases were performed on December 14, 2020 by cardiologist, Ronald P. Caputo, MD. Dr. Caputo has had prior experience starting a program and implanting the Watchman device, so he knew what was expected and how to help assemble a team.
“Dr. Andy Yin has worked alongside me and provided invaluable support. The staff in the catheterization laboratory at Physicians Regional have been enthusiastic, fast learners and are fantastic to work with!” Dr. Caputo explains.
Patients most likely to benefit from this procedure are those with atrial fibrillation who have bleeding problems or those who are at high risk for bleeding problems such that it makes it dangerous for them to continue taking blood thinning drugs.
However, the Watchman procedure is not for everyone. Dr. Caputo recommends patients receive a careful evaluation prior to the procedure. All heart procedures are associated with some risk and the benefit of the procedure must outweigh the risk.
Dr. Caputo reassures that recovery is fairly quick, “Although some patients stay overnight, most patients go home the day of the procedure. Strenuous physical activity is to be avoided for a few days and then normal activity is resumed.”
Physicians Regional cardiologists have screened dozens of patients for the Watchman procedure and have a busy schedule ahead planned. The new Heart Center has beautiful brand-new catheterization laboratories, brand-new open heart surgery operating rooms, experienced heart surgeons with doctors Scot Schultz and Dennis Stapleton, and excellent anesthesia support- all of the necessary components for a full-service structural heart disease program.
Ronald P. Caputo, MD, FACC, FSCAI, specializes in cardiology and interventional cardiology at Levine Heart & Wellness and is considered an independent member of Physicians Regional Medical Staff. He is dedicated to providing comprehensive treatments, including for structural heart disease, to patients in Naples, Florida. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Caputo call 855-85- GREAT (855-854-7328) or visit physiciansregional.com/find-a-doctor.
