Houston Methodist The Woodlands Completes 400th LAAO Procedure
The Heart & Vascular team at Houston Methodist The Woodlands recently reached another milestone by completing its 400th LAAO (Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion) procedure. LAAO is designed to reduce the risk of strokes that originate in the left atrial appendage by implanting a device to prevent blood clots.
“This established stroke prevention strategy requires a tremendous team-based approach, and we are very proud of our team for working together to provide unparalleled heart and vascular care to our patients,” said David Bernard, senior vice president, Houston Methodist, and CEO, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital.
Dr. Rajesh Venkataraman has been a part of more than 360 of the procedures at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital and credits the entire team for the safe and effective approach.
“We are happy to provide both commercially available LAAOs on the market to our patients at Houston Methodist the Woodlands,” said Venkataraman. “Our team-based approach in performing LAAO with a non-invasive cardiologist has resulted in the exceptional safety and efficacy of LAAO here.”
Venkataraman also noted that it is important to acknowledge the role played by the exemplary transesophageal echocardiography imaging team of Dr. Preeti Desai and Dr. Rabab Mohsin during these procedures.
About Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital:
Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital is committed to leading medicine in Montgomery County and the North Houston region by delivering exceptional safety, quality, service and innovation. The growing campus offers 293 beds and access to the most innovative care. A $250-million 2022 expansion project added 106 beds, medical/surgical extension and women’s services spaces along with nine operating rooms. It also included the expansion of the endoscopy center, emergency department and diagnostic imaging department.
Houston Methodist The Woodlands is a comprehensive stroke center, an orthopedic center of excellence by DNV, a Level III neonatal intensive care unit as well as a Level III maternal care unit, and has achieved Magnet Designation for nursing excellence from the ANCC. Houston Methodist The Woodlands is also ranked No. 1 nationally out of 181 members in the Complex Care Medical Centers cohort in the 2023 Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking. For more information, visit houstonmethodist.org/thewoodlands.