Manatee Memorial Hospital Hits 2,000 WATCHMAN Procedures
Earns National Top 10 Ranking
Bradenton, FL – (May 27, 2025) - Manatee Memorial Hospital (MMH) has reached another milestone in structural heart procedures to treat atrial fibrillation and reduce dependency on blood thinners. According to Boston Scientific Corporation, Manatee Memorial is one of the top ten hospitals in the country for total WATCHMAN implants since 2015, out of more than 650 major medical centers in the United States.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, currently affecting up to seven million Americans.1 People with AF may be at greater risk for stroke than those with normal heart rhythms. The WATCHMAN implant closes off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA) to keep harmful blood clots that can form in the LAA from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke. By closing off the LAA, the risk of stroke may be reduced and, over time, patients may be able to stop taking blood thinners.
WATCHMAN implanters are highly experienced and complete a detailed training program specific to the WATCHMAN Implant. Leading the program is Medical Director Dr. Daniel Friedman, who has implanted nearly half of all the implants at MMH since its inception and Dr. Jared Collins approaching four hundred.
“Reaching the milestone of 2,000 WATCHMAN procedures is a proud moment for our entire team and a testament to our commitment to innovation and patient-centered care. Being recognized among the top ten programs in the nation reflects the expertise of our physicians, the dedication of our staff, and the trust our patients place in us every day.” Andy Guz, CEO of Manatee Memorial Hospital.
About Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs when the top two chambers of the heart, the atria, beat too fast and with an irregular rhythm (fibrillation). AF, the most common type of arrhythmia, can decrease the heart’s pumping efficiency, which can cause blood cells to pool and stick together, forming clots in the heart, and lead to stroke. People with AF have a higher risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications than those with normal heart rhythms.
1 - Colilla S, Crow A et al. Estimates of Current and Future Incidence and Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation in the U.S. Adult Population. Am J Cardiol 2013;112:1142-1147.
About Manatee Health
Proudly serving the residents of Manatee, Hillsborough, and surrounding counties for more than 70 years, Manatee Health represents an entire network of healthcare services. These include freestanding emergency departments, outpatient imaging, rehabilitation and sports medicine, home health, surgical and specialty physician services, and all the inpatient services offered by Manatee Memorial Hospital including advanced stroke care and vascular disease, emergency medicine for all ages; cardiac; cardiovascular; surgical, including robotic; orthopedics; respiratory care; sleep services; oncology; wound care and women’s and children’s services including Manatee County’s only Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. For information on hospital services, visit manateehealth.com.
Pictured in back row: Dr. Michelle Nguyen, Colin Weaver COO, Dr Daniel Friedman, Andy Guz CEO, Hugh Miller Chairman Board of Trustees Manatee Memorial, and Tommy Gregory new MMH Board of Trustee member. Front row: Cardiac Cath Lab team with representatives from Boston Scientific.