Ascension Illinois completes 1,000th heart procedure to alleviate irregular heart rhythms

Ascension Illinois is excited to announce that its cardiovascular team has completed its 1,000th WATCHMAN procedure as part of the health system's approach to treating atrial fibrillation (AFib).

AFib is a condition which causes the upper chambers of the heart to beat in an irregular rhythm. It is the most common form of heart rhythm disorders, currently affecting more than five million Americans. Ascension Illinois performed its first WATCHMAN procedure in 2020.

The WATCHMAN device is used to prevent strokes in patients unable to take blood-thinning medication. The procedure works by closing off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage, and this keeps harmful blood clots from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke.

"The cardiovascular team at Ascension Illinois is focused on improving access to the latest advanced heart procedures, enabling people to live longer and healthier lives," said Dr. Andrei Pop, Head of Structural Interventions at Ascension Illinois.

"It takes an entire team across multiple subspecialties to continuously utilize and maintain new and advanced technologies," added Dr. Mohammed Khan, Head of electrophysiology at Ascension Alexian Brothers.