Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) Cardiac Electrophysiologists Michael Antimisiaris, MD, and Chase Reynolds, MD, performed the region’s first state-of-the-art Watchman Procedure.
Shelva Dotson of Phelps, Ky was the first patient to receive the Watchman Device.

PMC patients who qualify for this procedure have a tiny device called the Watchman Device implanted into the left atrial appendage of the heart.

The device is designed to reduce the risk of a stroke in patients with an irregular heartbeat, also known as atrial fibrillation (AFib).

“AFib increases the risk of a stroke. AFib causes clots to form in a chamber in the top of the heart. This is known as the left atrial appendage,” said Dr. Antimisiaris.

Dotson says she was experiencing a thumping in the chest and knew something was not right.

“When a patient is experiencing AFib, blood can clot in the atria. This can be dangerous for patients like Dotson. If the blood clot breaks, it has the potential to travel to the brain and block proper blood flow. The lack of oxygen carried in blood will cause patients to have a stroke,” said Dr. Reynolds.

Dotson says she has been a loyal patient of PMC.

“For years, I have had my pacemaker monitored by PMC. The doctors here have always treated me like a person and not just a patient. I have always felt like they had my interest in mind,” said Dotson.

Dotson added that she knew, when they suggested this procedure to her, they were looking out for her well-being.

The PMC heart care team felt like Dotson was the perfect candidate for the Watchman Device.

“The Watchman removes the risk of clot formation within the left atrial appendage. Before this procedure, patients with AFib that were considered high risk of stroke were treated with blood-thinning medications to reduce the risk of a stroke,” said Dr. Antimisiaris.

He said patients with AFib could have difficulty tolerating blood thinning medications. In addition, these medications could cause concerns for patients. Those are the patients who are the perfect candidate for the Watchman Device.

“Dr. A sat down with me. He explained the entire procedure to me. I knew he probably did not have the time he spent with me that day, but he made me feel comfortable and took time he may not have had to put any questions and concerns I had to rest,” said Dotson.

Dotson says she was comfortable moving forward with the procedure and being the first patient in the region to receive the device.

“The placement of the Watchman prevented clots from forming for Dotson and has ultimately reduced the risk of a stroke,” said Dr. Reynolds.

PMC continues to provide advancements raising the bar for heart health.

“I am very pleased with the care I received. This is the only place I wanted to take care of me. I would recommend PMC to anyone,” said Dotson.

PMC performs advanced procedures that allow patients to stay close to home and receive advanced quality care.

For more information about the Watchman Device or to schedule an appointment with one of the PMC Heart and Vascular Institute physicians, call 606-430-2201 or visit our Heart & Vascular Institute page.