Englewood Health Implants 1,000th WATCHMAN FLX Device to Prevent Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Among First in New Jersey to Achieve This Milestone 

February 3, 2025 — The heart team at Englewood Health has implanted its 1,000th WATCHMAN FLX device, a significant achievement in the prevention of stroke for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).  

Among the first in New Jersey to achieve this milestone, Englewood Hospital was also the first in the state to implant the WATCHMAN device following its FDA approval in 2012. Today, it remains at the forefront of innovation with the latest generation of WATCHMAN technology, the WATCHMAN FLX. 

“The WATCHMAN device has transformed stroke prevention for patients with AFib who are unable to tolerate blood thinners,” said Ramin Hastings, MD, medical director of the Structural Heart and Valve Program at Englewood Hospital. “We are proud to lead the way in offering this life-changing treatment.” 

The WATCHMAN device is a minimally invasive, permanent solution that reduces the risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular AFib. The procedure involves closing the left atrial appendage (LAA), where over 90% of stroke-causing blood clots in AFib patients originate. For many patients, this device eliminates the need for lifelong blood-thinning medications, offering a low-maintenance alternative with fewer complications. 

"Helping our patients live safer, fuller lives is what drives everything we do," said Asad Cheema, MD, medical director of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratories at Englewood Hospital. "Reaching this milestone with the WATCHMAN FLX means we’ve been able to offer real hope and better outcomes for so many people with atrial fibrillation." 

“Each WATCHMAN procedure we perform builds on our expertise and ensures that we continue to provide the safest, most effective care for our patients,” said Grant Simons, MD, chief of Heart Rhythm Services at Englewood Hospital. “Reaching this milestone highlights our dedication to innovative care and our mission to offer patients advanced treatment options that truly make a difference in their lives.” 

Englewood Health’s heart program has earned national recognition, including being named among the “100 Great Heart Programs” by Becker’s Hospital Review and recognized as one of the best cardiac hospitals in America by Newsweek.  

For more information about Englewood Health’s heart services, visit: englewoodhealth.org/heart.