El Paso, Texas — Las Palmas Medical Center recently marked a significant milestone in advanced stroke prevention care with the completion of its 500th left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedure. Las Palmas Medical Center leads the region in the number of LAAO procedures performed.
The LAAO procedure consists of placing a small implant that closes the left atrial appendage, a small pouch in the heart, to help decrease the risk of stroke for patients with atrial fibrillation (A Fib), a common heart rhythm disorder.
“Delivering high-quality, innovative cardiovascular care to the El Paso community is at the heart of our mission,” Alejandro Romero, CEO of Las Palmas Medical Center, said. “Reaching 500 LAAO procedures reflects the exceptional skill of our clinical teams and the deep trust our patients place in us. We’re honored to provide this advanced, life-saving treatment close to home.”
A Fib is the most common heart arrhythmia. It can cause blood to pool and form clots in the left atrial appendage. If a clot escapes and enters the bloodstream, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
“Atrial fibrillation affects millions of people, and by offering the LAAO procedure, we are able to deliver personalized, life-saving care to patients with A Fib who face an elevated stroke risk,” Francisco Gonzalez, M.D., medical director of electrophysiology at Las Palmas Medical Center, said. “I am honored to be a part of this team and to help our patients live longer, healthier lives as a result of procedures like this one.”
For more information on the procedures offered at Las Palmas Medical Center, visit LasPalmasDelSolHealthcare.com.