Updated on May. 13, 2025
The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute (MHVI) at Saddleback Medical Center, led by Structural Heart Disease Medical Director Cheng-Han Chen, M.D., successfully completed its 400th WATCHMANTM procedure for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions of Americans. This milestone signifies MHVI’s commitment to ensuring that South Orange County residents have access to the latest in minimally invasive treatments and techniques by a team with experience and the compassion of a community hospital.
The WATCHMAN device is a small device implanted in the heart’s left atrial appendage, which is where the vast majority of blood clots form and cause strokes in Afib patients. The device, which is inserted through a minimally invasive procedure, offers an alternative to long-term anticoagulant therapy, providing stroke protection while potentially reducing bleeding risks associated with blood thinner medications.
“Reaching this milestone shows how effective the WATCHMAN procedure is in providing an alternative for patients with atrial fibrillation who cannot tolerate long-term blood thinners and over time can lead to hemorrhagic stroke or gastrointestinal issues. This technology significantly reduces stroke risk and improves quality of life, giving patients peace of mind.”
- Dr. Chen
The Watchman device occludes, or closes, the left atrial appendage to prevent clots from forming and entering the bloodstream. Over time, heart tissue grows over the implanted device, making it a permanent part of the body.
MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center also recently completed its 200th WATCHMAN case in January, further demonstrating MemorialCare’s regional leadership in advanced cardiac care.
Offering the latest in advanced technologies, the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute has a dedicated cardiovascular catheterization lab equipped with the latest technology and staffed by nationally recognized physicians to provide the complete continuum of cardiovascular care. The Heart & Vascular Institute offers a range of comprehensive services for patients with cardiac disorders, including diagnostic testing, device implementation, and follow-up care.
To learn more, visit Saddleback Medical Center's heart page.