Carbondale Reporter

SIH Prairie Heart Institute has marked its 200th WATCHMAN procedure, a minimally invasive implant designed to lower stroke risk for patients with atrial fibrillation. The milestone was reached on August 13, 2025, at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. This facility is currently the only hospital in Southern Illinois providing this advanced treatment.

The WATCHMAN program began in 2017 and brings together Prairie Cardiovascular physicians and the cardiac catheterization lab team at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Over the years, hundreds of patients have received the implant, which can allow them to stop using long-term blood thinners and improve their quality of life.

“WATCHMAN represents the kind of sophisticated care patients often expect only in large cities,” said Dr. Raed Al-Dallow, interventional cardiologist. “We’re proud to provide it right here at home.”

So far this year, 55 patients have received the WATCHMAN implant at SIH Prairie Heart Institute. The institute states that it will continue focusing on offering advanced heart care options to residents of Southern Illinois.