TEXARKANA, Texas (KSLA) - CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System is implementing a new heart procedure.

Electrophysiologist Dr. Kevin Hayes says the Watchman procedure involves placing a permanent implant to close the left atrial appendage in the heart to reduce the risk of stroke.

“The purpose of it is so we can get people safely off their blood thinners that they have to take for atrial-fibrillation,” he said.

Dr. Hayes says it takes around 30 minutes to perform the procedure. Most patients are able to go home after around an hour.

“That really does improve the quality of life. Coming off of blood thinners is probably the number one question that I get asked about AFib... really this is the best way to do that safely.”

CHRISTUS leaders say they consider the procedure to be an investment

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