Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan Performs First Concomitant Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Watchman Implant Procedure
February 23, 2026FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
University of Michigan Health – West
Chris Zoladz, 248.787.6666, Christopher.Zoladz@umhwest.org
Trinity Health West Michigan
Brad Ivey, 989.787.1451, Brad.Ivey@trinity-health.org
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (February 23, 2026) – On January 26, Emma Hegwood, DO performed the first combined catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation and Watchman® left atrial appendage occlusion procedure, known as a concomitant procedure, at Trinity Health Muskegon. Dr. Hegwood is a Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist physician (EP) with University of Michigan Health-West, Trinity Health Medical Group, Cardiology – Muskegon, and a member of the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of irregular and often rapid heartbeat that can lead to heart failure, blood clots and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, AFib can double the risk of death and is linked with a fivefold increased risk of stroke. AFib contributes to heart failure by overworking the heart muscle.
In addition to AFib, Dr. Hegwood’s patient, an 81-year-old man, was at high risk for falls due to his age and other medical conditions, putting him at higher risk for bleeding complications if treated solely with anticoagulation (blood thinner medications) therapy for stroke reduction for his AFib.
For patients like this, catheter ablation can successfully manage AFib. Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure where electrophysiologists use very thin wires to deliver electrical impulses to the parts of the heart that are causing irregular heartbeats to help reduce or terminate symptoms.
“Ablation procedures come with important advantages,” said Dr. Hegwood. “First, we can reduce or, in some instances, eliminate symptoms a patient may have from their arrhythmia. This may also allow us to avoid the need for long-term use of medications, which have their own set of potential complications and risks. Second, some types of arrhythmias can be cured to up to a 95% degree of confidence.”
The two widely used types of ablations are Radiofrequency Ablation (using heat) and Cryoablation (using cold/freezing). Newer techniques, which have better safety profiles but same effectiveness such as Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA), which Dr. Hegwood uses exclusively for AFib ablations, are also emerging as the most prominent treatment for atrial fibrillation.
Dr. Hegwood used PFA to treat her patient. “This is a breakthrough in AFib treatment,” she said. “Instead of using heat or cold, which is less specific, this approach can target the heart tissue to reduce the risk of damage to surrounding structures. It’s safer, faster, and just as effective at restoring normal heart rhythm.”
For AFib patients who also have bleeding risks, like Dr. Hegwood’s patient, left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an alternative to blood thinners for stroke prevention. For these patients a minimally invasive procedure using the newer WATCHMAN FLX Pro device can reduce the risk of stroke by sealing off the left atrial appendage where blood clots often form. It’s important to be evaluated by an electrophysiologist, like Dr. Hegwood, to determine the appropriateness of this procedure on a patient-specific basis.
“Performing an AFib ablation and implanting a Watchman® device in a single procedure offers a comprehensive solution for addressing AFib progression, rhythm control and stroke risk reduction,” said Dr. Hegwood. “This approach allows patients to avoid multiple procedures under anesthesia and potentially discontinue blood thinner medication therapy earlier. I was able to speak to my patient a few days after the procedure and am happy to report he is doing wonderfully.”
The Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan is a joint operating agreement between Trinity Health Muskegon, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, UM Health-West and the. This regional collaboration connects local hospitals with more than 125 years of cardiovascular leadership and provides access to leading treatments, surgical techniques, and coordinated care.
This accomplishment, five years after the launch of the collaborative, reflects the Network’s commitment to delivering innovative cardiovascular care and expanding advanced treatment options to bring the highest level of heart care to the communities we serve.
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