BY NRHS STAFF
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Norman Regional patient living with less worry, medication after WATCHMAN procedure for procedures like the WATCHMAN procedure, to determine if he was a fit for the implant and be fully informed about the implant prior to undergoing the procedure. Goodnight underwent the WATCHMAN procedure in January of this year and said he’s happy he did. “I’m thankful I went through the WATCHMAN procedure so that I could stop taking the medication,” Goodnight said. “I’m feeling a lot better and a lot less anxious. I also have a lot more energy.”
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Goodnight added that he had a good experience and would recommend anyone with AFib to Norman Heart and Vascular Associates.
“They were very professional and I trust them,” he onnie Goodnight, 78, is taking less medication said. “I appreciate all of what the heart team as done and living with less anxiety and fear since under- for me.” going the WATCHMAN procedure at Norman Regional Health System. The WATCHMAN implant is placed in the heart while the patient is under general anesthesia. It usually Goodnight has atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition in takes about an hour and requires an overnight hospiwhich he has an irregular heart rhythm that puts him at tal stay before being discharged home the next day. risk for a stroke. A person with AFib is five times more likely to suffer a stroke than someone with a regular The patient still takes blood thinning medication for heartbeat, according to the National Stroke Association. about 45 days while your heart heals. He was taking oral anticoagulants, or blood thinners, for For those living with AFib and suffering through his AFib, but could no longer take them due to continual the same anxiety Goodnight had, please know bleeding complications. you don’t have to continue to do so. The WATCHMuhammad Salim, MD, a board certified cardiologist at MAN implant design enables it to fit the greatest Norman Regional, recommend the WATCHMAN implant number of patients, giving more people a safe, – a minimally invasive, one-time procedure that reduc- effective alternative to blood thinners, accordes stroke risk without the worry that comes with lifelong ing to WATCHMAN.com. blood thinners. Call Norman Heart and Vascular Associates Goodnight worked with Dr. Salim and Sarah “Katy” at 405-515-2222 to see if you’re a fit for the Walsh, APRN-CNS, a certified nurse practitioner who WATCHMAN procedure and reduce your serves as Norman Regional’s cardiovascular coordinator risk for stroke.
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