Mon Health Medical Center Cardiologist Selected for National Trial

Boston Scientific, the developer of the innovative WATCHMAN device that reduces the risk of stroke for atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients has nominated Mon Health Medical Center to participate in another upcoming national clinical trial. 

This newest trial is landmark and the first of its kind. Mon Health Medical Center is one of the first in the country to be invited and accepted to participate. Earlier this year, Mon Health Medical Center announced that it was selected by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) as a Chest Pain Center for the ninth year in a row. Additionally, the ACC awarded an accreditation for AFib with Electrophysiology Services, and MHMC was the 24th hospital in the country to earn a HeartCARE accreditation.

“This has been a banner year for our Heart and Vascular Center and its physicians,” said David Goldberg, President and CEO of Mon Health System. “Our physicians are leading the way in innovative treatments while continuing our long tradition of serving our communities.”

Cardiologists currently at Mon Health Medical Center were the first in West Virginia and the region to implant the WATCHMAN device and today are among the nation’s leading specialists in the field. This innovation has earned Dr. Wissam Gharib the nomination to participate in the upcoming national study.

“Our team offers the best heart care in the region,” said Dr. Wissam Gharib, structural heart cardiologist at the Mon Health Heart & Vascular Center. “It is extremely exciting to be in this trial. It is really an honor for a small hospital in a very small state to be a pioneer in one of the more exciting cutting edge trials that are ongoing worldwide. This speaks to the quality that has been recognized by multinational companies that we as a team bring to the citizens of West Virginia.”

AFib is an irregular, often rapid heart rate that causes reduced blood flow in patients. Patients with AFib are at risk for a stroke when blood clots form in a small pouch of the left atrium known as the left atrial appendage. Boston Scientific produces the FDA approved WATCHMAN device that reduces the risk of stroke by addressing the issue and eliminating the need for long term blood thinners.

For more information about the WATCHMAN, visit monhealth.com/watchman.