Rock Hill Cardiologists Hit Medical Milestone With 50 Implants To Prevent Stroke

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Rock Hill cardiologists have hit a milestone this year by completing 50 patient implants, putting a device called a watchman into peoples hearts.

The watchman device is no bigger than a quarter but it’s impact is huge. Doctors say this device can help to treat AFib, also known as atrial fibrillation, and can put a stop to blood clots.

Cardiologists with Piedmont Medical Center say once the Watchman is implanted into a patient’s heart, it acts as a plug that blocks blood clots from escaping and causing bigger issues like stroke.

the CDC reports that every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke, and 1 in 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease was due to stroke. Dr. Andrew Brenyo, says the Watchman implant drastically reduces the risk.

“This device allows us to prevent strokes as effective as a blood thinner, but without the risk,” Brenyo said.

His team recently completed its 50th watchman implant, a success Brenyo believes will only grow.

Cardiologists do say the Watchman implant isn’t for everyone, but those who can benefit from it will have a much easier time living a normal life without having to rely on medications like blood thinners.