Structural Heart Procedures

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion

The Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion device offers a trusted alternative to blood thinning medication for individuals with Non-Valvular AFib (NVAF) who are at an increased risk of stroke. Typically performed in less than an hour, the Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion device closes an area of the heart known as the Left Atrial Appendage (LAA). The LAA is a tube-like sac that creates an environment for clots to form within the heart, heightening the risk of stroke. The Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion device reduces both stroke risk and bleeding risk while allowing patients to ultimately stop taking their blood thinning medication.

There are many reasons an individual may not be able to tolerate blood thinning medication. These include, but are not limited to, those with: a history of bleeds, high risk of recurrent falls, an occupation or lifestyle that makes them a poor candidate for blood thinning medication, severe renal failure, or documented poor adherence which can be due to side effects or the financial burden of life-long blood thinners. To find out if you are a candidate for the Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion procedure today, please contact Kylie Debias, Structural Heart Coordinator, at (814) 534-1548 or kmdebias@conemaugh.org.

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center Achieves 300th WATCHMAN Implant Milestone, Advancing Stroke Prevention in Cardiovascular Care

“Having the Watchman procedure was one of the best decisions I ever made,” shared Ralph Wilson, a Watchman patient at Conemaugh. The cost of being on blood thinners was getting high and now I do not have to worry about blood clots causing a stroke. Now that I am off my blood thinners, I can lead an active lifestyle and enjoy hunting and camping, without worrying about the possibility of bleeding if an injury occurs.”

"I have been treating Ralph for atrial fibrillation since 2016," Dr. Mastrine added, "It was very gratifying to see his relief after stopping his blood thinners and avoiding the long-term risks of significant bleeding.”

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a procedure used to treat patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. TAVR is utilized as an alternative, less invasive procedure for an aortic valve replacement rather than open heart surgery. This procedure is performed for patients who, for any number of reasons, may not be an ideal open heart surgery candidate, as determined by the patient’s care team. The TAVR procedure is completed by both an interventional cardiologist and a cardiothoracic surgeon in a hybrid operating room. The surgical team makes a small incision, most often in the groin, and inserts a tube that helps to guide our catheters, balloon and new heart valve up to the patient’s heart. The balloon is inflated and the TAVR valve is expanded over the diseased aortic valve. The TAVR valve begins working immediately, providing oxygenated blood flow to the rest of the body. This procedure provides elderly patients or those with multiple co-morbidities the option to have their aortic valve replaced without facing open heart surgery.