CHRISTUS St. Michael now offers new cardiac procedure to reduce risk of stroke
1/28/2025
The first successful implant of the Watchman device was performed by Dr. Kevin Hayes, clinical cardiac electrophysiology.
This breakthrough cardiac procedure treats patients with atrial fibrillation (Afib). CHRISTUS St. Michael is the only hospital within a 70-mile radius to offer this latest technology.
The Watchman device is a tiny implant, which closes off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA) to keep harmful blood clots from entering the bloodstream and potentially causing a stroke.
“By closing off the LAA, the risk of stroke may be reduced, and over time, patients may be able to stop taking their blood thinners,” Hayes said. “The Watchman is a permanent device that does not have to be replaced and cannot be seen outside of the body.”
Afib is an irregular heartbeat disrupting the heart’s normal rhythm.
“About 6 million Americans have AFib,” said Carson Corbell, clinical director of the cardiology catheterization lab with CHRISTUS St. Michael. “People suffering from AFib have about a five times greater risk of stroke than those with normal heart rhythms.”
The Watchman program at CHRISTUS St. Michael is a multidisciplined and highly skilled team, providing the Texarkana community with expanded heart care options.
The first patient to undergo the Watchman procedure at the hospital is lawn and landscape business owner Michael Lybrand.
"I was initially scheduled to have the procedure in Tyler, but learned I could now have it here," Lybrand said. "We have total confidence in Dr. Hayes, and I had no worries about being the first patient. I have AFib, and now I won't have to worry about the risk of blood clots even without taking blood thinners."
“It’s exciting to have the ability and expertise to perform this type of life-changing procedure here at home,” said Jason Adams, president of CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital – Texarkana. “This program is an investment in our community. We want our patients to rest assured that we will continue to provide high-quality and compassionate care to the patients we are so blessed to serve.”