Waterbury Hospital Celebrates Sophisticated Cardiac Procedure Milestone
WATERBURY, CT, Nov. 20, 2025 — Waterbury Hospital recently celebrated its 100th permanent heart implant procedure, marking a major milestone in reducing stroke risk for patients across Greater Waterbury.
Waterbury Hospital is the only hospital in the region offering the heart implant, an alternative to lifelong blood thinners for individuals with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. Atrial fibrillation—an irregular heartbeat that can feel like a fluttering or quivering sensation—affects an estimated seven million Americans. Those with this condition face a five-times higher risk of stroke compared to people with normal heart rhythms.
The WATCHMAN FLX device works by sealing off the heart’s left atrial appendage, preventing harmful blood clots from entering the bloodstream and potentially causing a stroke. By closing this area, patients may significantly reduce their stroke risk and, over time, may be able to discontinue blood thinners.
“I am proud of the exceptional, advanced cardiac care our teams deliver every day. This heart implant procedure is a powerful example of the high-level treatment available at Waterbury Hospital for patients throughout the greater Waterbury community. This procedure helps prevent stroke and supports patients in living longer, healthier lives,” said Waterbury HEALTH President and CEO Deborah Weymouth.
Led by interventional cardiologist Dr. Ehsan Ansari, Waterbury Hospital cardiac teams expect to perform many more WATCHMAN procedures in the coming months. Earlier this year, the teams also celebrated completing 100 Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures—an important alternative to traditional open-heart surgery for patients with severe aortic stenosis.
These procedures are part of a broad range of advanced cardiac services available at Waterbury Hospital, including open-heart surgery and multiple electrophysiology interventions. Waterbury HEALTH also provides comprehensive cardiac care across its network, from general cardiology and cardiac testing to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Waterbury Hospital was the first in Connecticut to earn the Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI designation from the American College of Cardiology, reflecting faster treatment, improved outcomes, and better quality of life for cardiac patients.
Waterbury Hospital was also recognized as a High Performing hospital for heart arrhythmia, diabetes, and pneumonia in the U.S. News & World Report 2025–2026 Best Hospitals edition. In addition, the hospital earned the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®–Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award in 2025, underscoring its commitment to delivering research-based, high-quality stroke care that saves lives.
About Waterbury HEALTH
Waterbury HEALTH, which includes Waterbury Hospital, Alliance Medical Group, Cardiology Associates of Greater Waterbury, VNA Health at Home and Access Rehab Centers, Greater Waterbury Imaging Center, offers comprehensive healthcare services including primary care, emergency and acute care, and home healthcare. Serving Waterbury and 11 surrounding communities in Western Connecticut, Waterbury HEALTH is a member of Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc., a national family of hospitals and healthcare networks. Learn more at wtbyhealth.org.
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