Had a Watchman procdure in June that required a TEE eight weeks post-procedure. Had the TEE last week, and it showed that the Watchman was, according to Natale.......Perfect! I will now have a second TEE six months post-procedure (December). If all is still "perfect", anticipate that I will be able to stop the Xeralto, or at least switch to baby aspirin. Natale reduced the Xeralto dosage by 50 percent after the Watchman procedure.

I was told to be at St David's at 7:00 am, and was taken to a pre-procedure room and the nurse assigned to me went through all the steps to get me ready......change clothes, sign documents, IV, met with anesthesiologist, etc. She told me I was third in line for the TEE. My expectations were that I would be taken to a lab where the TEE would be performed. Then they wheeled in an instrument that looked like a very elaborate TV......to my amazment, the test would be performed right in the room!!!! Then in came the anesthesiologist, and then the doctor (Ginns). While they prepared me for the test, had a discussion with Ginns in reference to the TEE. Not long after I woke up, the nurse brought me breakfast!! Then Natale came to the room and gave me the good news. No more than an hour after the TEE, was headed home.

Again.....the level of care, professionalism and friendliness at TCAI and St David's is off-scale!!!


Steve
Klein, Tx.

Great report, Steve. Hope your TEE at 6 months is Perfect as well!!!

Yep, I've had two TEEs at St. David's and they were both done right there in the prep room. Welcome to the Watchman club!

I had a TEE in a room instead of the cath lab. I was out 5 minutes and left right afterwards.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/04/2025 11:47AM by susan.d.

Nice report, and affirming for those wondering it the Natale team is all it's cracked up to be.

Quote

Again.....the level of care, professionalism and friendliness at TCAI and St David's is off-scale

!!!

Yep, that was exactly my experience too. And the hot breakfast and coffee was so thoughtful and welcome,

I sent an email to Eric Jordan last week.......TCAI EP lab director.
Thought it would be appropriate to share with Afibbers.

I want to express my satisfaction for my experiences at TCAI. I got your contact information from Audrey Dieguez, my Nurse Navigator. I interact with her frequently.

During my entire professional career I provided a service, and am sensitive to the level of services I receive……..we are quick to point out inferior service, but hopefully equally as quick to recognize quality service.

First a little history…..we live in Klein, Texas (Houston area), and was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in 2009. In my research to learn as much as possible about my situation I came in contact with Afibbers.Com, and through the excellent advise and shared experiences I was guided to Andrea Natale (especially by Shannon Dickinson). Natale had just moved to St Davids. Met with him, and had an ablation in March 2011.

Presently…..went event-free until last September when I experienced an episode of tachycardia. After a cardioversion, it was suggested by my EP cardiologist in Houston (Scott Greenberg) that most likely a touch-up ablation would be required. While he could perform the procedure, he was very familiar with Natale, and highly recommended that I return to him…..he contacted Natale and sent him all my information. With assistance from Shannon.......vrtual meeting with Natale, scheduled for an ablation, flutter ablation March 11 (ironically my first ablation was March 10), Watchman procedure June19 and TEE Tuesday August 26.

The reason for contacting you……first, the new facility could not be more “patient friendly”. However, the most important reason is the level of care I experienced…..from start to finish, completely off scale. The professionalism, the interest in my well-being and the friendliness is incredible. It starts with the “Maestro” and goes down the list to everyone…..too numerous to remember all the names. From the phone contacts to the actual procedures. But a special thanks to Audrey, Kim, Dr. Ginns and Amelia (my nurse for the TEE procedure).

I will return in December for a follow-up TEE. (I want to put in my reservation for Amelia now!!!!!)


Appreciate the experience

Steve Worford



Definitely all they are cracked up to be!!!!!

Following this thread why does Texas Arrythmia Natales group his PA Shannon want a CT scan with contrast for my followup?
I had my Watchman implanted April 11, 2024 @ St David's, followup 45 day TEE which showed a good seal and placement back in May 2024. I had enough radaition dealing with prostate cancer in between that time,
Now 10 months out MRI guided SBRT, 40gy, glad to say so far no side effects and eveything still works!
However I do want to avoid more radiation, wondering what you guys had done followup?

McHale

I don't know if you are in Austin, TX but PA Shannon sent me the following email just a week ago as I was asking if I should do a TEE or CT scan here in the Twin Cities as another follow up on my still leaking Watchman. Here is her reply:

We do prefer the TEE imaging as the initial imaging, with CTAs for the remaining monitoring thereafter. TEEs from other facilities have been a 50/50 on images taken and we have had to repeat imaging to obtain the angles we need to see the Watchman correctly. Not an optimal situation. The contrast movement in CTAs can provide a better picture of leaks and can still visualize surface thrombi, without having to repeat any testing.

Travis

Quote
McHale
Following this thread why does Texas Arrythmia Natales group his PA Shannon want a CT scan with contrast for my followup?
I had my Watchman implanted April 11, 2024 @ St David's, followup 45 day TEE which showed a good seal and placement back in May 2024. I had enough radaition dealing with prostate cancer in between that time,
Now 10 months out MRI guided SBRT, 40gy, glad to say so far no side effects and eveything still works!
However I do want to avoid more radiation, wondering what you guys had done followup?

McHale