There's an alternative for people with
Atrial Fibrillation who have difficulty
taking anti-coagulants.

WATCHMAN LAAC™
CARDIAC IMPLANT

  • WATCHMAN™ is the only FDA-approved cardiac implant proven to reduce stroke risk with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem (also referred to as non-valvular AFib).
  • We at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System are the first hospital in the Tri-County Area to offer the WATCHMAN procedure.
  • A non-surgical procedure, known as Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC), that provides an implant-based option for patients who need protection from non-valvular AFib-related stroke.
  • The WATCHMAN LAAC may eliminate the need for long-term anti-coagulant therapy for appropriately selected patients.
  • In clinical trials, 9 out of 10 people were able to stop taking warfarin anti-coagulant therapy just 45 days after getting WATCHMAN.

Regional Heart Center

Innovative and Personalized Heart Care

As you evaluate patients in your daily practice, we hope you consider referring patients who may be candidates for the WATCHMAN™ Device. Patients who may qualify for the procedure:

  • Are at increased risk for stroke and systemic embolism based on CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc scores and are recommended for anticoagulation therapy;
  • Are deemed by their physicians to be suitable for short-term warfarin or NOAC therapy
  • Have an appropriate rationale to seek a non-pharmacologic alternative to warfarin, taking into account the safety and effectiveness of the device compared to warfarin.

The implant procedure usually lasts about an hour, and the patient typically stays 1-2 nights at our Heart Center.

The SVMH WATCHMAN program has a structural heart program coordinator who works closely with the interventional cardiologist to provide patient education and guide patients through the screening, scheduling and follow-up process.

Phone: 831.757.4333

Address: 450 E. Romie Lane Salinas, CA 93901

Get Directions

Patient Referral and Questions

Anne Timberlake, RN, MSN
Structural Heart Program Coordinator
831.759.1992
atimberlake@svmh.com

Watchman Implantation Device


Our Services


  • Electrophysiology
    Our specialists provide the most advanced diagnostics and treatments available today for individuals with an irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrythmia).
  • Cardiothoracic surgery
    We offer unparalleled cardiac surgical care for the region, including advanced surgical solutions for patients with complex heart health issues.
  • Cardiac rehabilitation
    With an on-campus Cardiac Fitness Center, we are able to provide comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation for people who recently suffered a heart attack, underwent heart surgery and similar.
  • Interventional cardiology
    Our state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization laboratories perform innovative, sophisticated interventional procedures paired with world-class care from our team.
  • Non-invasive cardiology
    We perform thousands of cardiac diagnostic studies every year, utilizing a team effort to pioneer the latest non-invasive cardiology solutions.

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