By DoM Communications | Date published: February 4, 2026

UMass Memorial Medical Center Completes 1,000th Watchman Implant 

Members of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine celebrated the completion of its 1,000th Watchman implant, placing the program among the top five in New England and third in Massachusetts. This milestone underscores the team’s commitment to reducing stroke risk for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).  

“Stroke is the most devastating complication related to AFib,” said Glenn Stokken, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, electrophysiology (EP). “For years, systemic blood thinners were the only option. Now, thanks to the Watchman device, we have an FDA-approved alternative for patients who cannot tolerate blood thinners.” 

The Watchman implant is a permanent implant that closes off the heart’s left atrial appendage to prevent stroke in people with AFib who need an alternative to blood thinners.  

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Stokken, Kevin Floyd, MD, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Bryon Gentile, MD, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, and Ella Faenza, CNP, program coordinator, on this accomplishment!