Heart procedure which reduces risk for stroke performed for first time in El Paso

Patients in the Borderland typically had to go to Houston in order to undergo the Watchman implant procedure.

But that is no longer the case.

The procedure is for patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke or heart failure.

Dr. Chalam Mulukutla successfully performed the procedure on Judy Okelberry at the Hospitals of Providence Sierra Campus this week.

“T here are a lot of patients in our community that are unable to travel or to go to different places because of economic reasons or because they want to be close to family, and we want to improve the medical care in the community,” Mulukutla said.

Okelberry said she’s thankful for the procedure, because she cannot take blood thinners.

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“It just gives you a better view of the future, of what the future can be for you. Live longer, and laugh more, and have a better life,” she said.

The procedure places an implant that closes a small hole in the left atrium of the heart. Mulukutla said it’s a part of the heart where a lot of blood clots can form and eventually lead to strokes.

“If you do this procedure, you plug that hole and so therefore the patient no longer has the risk of having clots and no longer has to be on blood thinners,” he said.

Okelberry was in good spirits after the procedure.

“I’m looking forward to the future because of it,” Okelberry said.

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