St. Joseph’s Health CVI Celebrates 1,000th WATCHMAN™ Procedure, Strengthening Its Role as CNY’s Premier Heart Hospital
SYRACUSE, N.Y.— (March 10, 2026) St. Joseph’s Health has reached a major milestone, proudly completing its 1,000th WATCHMAN™ procedure, reinforcing its reputation as the heart hospital of the region and a leader in advanced cardiac care.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Ali Al-Mudamgha, MD, a board certified Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist at St. Joseph’s Health Cardiovascular Institute. This accomplishment reflects the hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing cutting edge, minimally invasive treatments that improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).
The WATCHMAN™ procedure is an implant designed to reduce stroke risk in people with AFib. It works by sealing off the heart’s left atrial appendage—the area where most AFib‑related clots form—so blood can no longer pool there. This provides an effective alternative for many patients who cannot remain on long‑term blood thinners or who face bleeding risks. Over time, heart tissue grows over the device, creating a permanent barrier that helps protect against stroke.
“This milestone could not have been achieved without the incredible EP team and the unwavering support from the hospital,” said Dr. Al‑Mudamgha. “Every successful procedure reflects the skill, dedication, and compassion of a multidisciplinary group that shows up every day committed to improving patients’ lives. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together, and this 1,000th WATCHMAN procedure represents not only a clinical milestone, but a shared commitment to excellence in heart care.”
The Cardiovascular Institute began offering the WATCHMAN™ procedure in 2018, making it one of the earliest adopters of this therapy in the region. From the very first case, the program was led by Katherine Everett, NP, Structural Heart Coordinator, whose vision and commitment established the foundation for what has grown into one of Central New York’s highest‑volume and most experienced WATCHMAN™ programs.
“I’m so happy to see a program grow and offer an opportunity for patients to take control of their health and make the right, informed decisions with their providers,” Everett said. “It’s refreshing that patients have the ability to advocate for themselves and seek a treatment that can potentially improve their lives.”
St. Joseph’s Health Cardiovascular Institute’s cardiac catheterization laboratory performs the region’s highest volume of emergent and non-urgent coronary interventions and delivers WATCHMAN™ procedures with excellent outcomes. Its structural heart and electrophysiology teams work seamlessly to provide minimally invasive treatments for complex conditions, supported by advanced imaging and technology that enhance safety and precision. Beyond WATCHMAN™, the cath lab offers a comprehensive range of structural heart and arrhythmia procedures, giving patients access to top-tier, cutting‑edge care close to home. This expertise and consistent results reinforce St. Joseph’s Health as the leading destination for cardiovascular care in Central New York.
“Our highly skilled team is consistently recognized by New York State for achieving some of the best patient outcomes year after year,” said Ziad El‑Khally, MD, Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. “We have long been pioneers in the field of structural heart disease—leading the way as the first in the region to perform transcatheter aortic and mitral valve replacement and repair, with outstanding results. Today, our program continues to reach new milestones. From our high-volume, high-quality mechanical support for patients with acute heart failure to our exceptional Watchman outcomes, this 1,000‑procedure achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, safety, and world-class patient care.”
As the regional cardiovascular leader, St. Joseph’s is hosting its 3rd annual Cardiovascular Institute Symposium for health care providers on May 16. Topics include:
The latest minimally invasive transcatheter therapies for aortic and mitral valve disease
The role of advanced cardiac imaging and echocardiography in diagnosis, procedural planning, and follow-up care
Multidisciplinary decision-making strategies that support safe, effective, patient-centered treatment
