Birmingham Heart Clinic Cardiologists Help Reach 1,000th WATCHMAN™ Procedure at UAB St. Vincent’s East
A major milestone in heart care was recently achieved right here in Birmingham — and several Birmingham Heart Clinic physicians were at the center of it.
BHC cardiologists Christopher George, MD, John Parks, MD, and Corey Coleman, MD were part of the team that completed UAB St. Vincent’s East’s 1,000th WATCHMAN™ procedure, a landmark achievement for patients living with atrial fibrillation (AFib) in our community.
What Is the WATCHMAN™ Procedure?
For patients with AFib who are not well-suited for long-term blood thinners, the WATCHMAN™ device offers an alternative path to stroke prevention. The minimally invasive procedure permanently closes off the left atrial appendage — the area of the heart where most AFib-related blood clots form — reducing stroke risk without the ongoing bleeding concerns that come with anticoagulant medications.
As Dr. Parks explains: “For many patients, WATCHMAN means freedom from bleeding concerns and from the anxiety that comes with taking lifelong blood thinners. Being part of that change for over 1,000 patients is something we are very proud of.”
Advanced Heart Care, Close to Home
Reaching 1,000 procedures is a reflection of the entire care team — the physicians, nurses, technicians, and support staff who work every day to bring advanced cardiovascular care to patients across the greater Birmingham area.
At Birmingham Heart Clinic, our AFib specialists are available across all six of our outpatient locations. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with AFib and want to explore your treatment options, we’re here to help.
