Cathy Cooley, a fifth-grade teacher from Santa Maria, California, kept busy in her time off the job with her many hobbies — hiking, swimming, sewing and baking.
Then, in August 2016, at the age of 41, she had an unexpected stroke.
Cooley soon learned it had been caused by atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart arrhythmia. The stroke impaired the right side of her body, leaving her with a limp and able to write only with her nondominant hand. Cooley had taught English as a Second Language, but suddenly found it difficult to speak.
With time and the same hard work she had always given her career, she was able to return to teaching. In 2018, Cooley underwent a cardiac ablation to address her AFib. The treatment was considered successful and she began to feel better. However, when she had even routine medical procedures that necessitated stopping blood thinners, they posed complications for her due to her high AFib-related stroke risk.
A device that reduces stroke risk
A former sorority sister who worked at Boston Scientific introduced her to the WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Device, which reduces AFib-related stroke risk. After consulting with her cardiologist, Cooley was confirmed as a candidate, and she received her WATCHMAN implant in 2023.
"I can’t think of something I’ve done medically that’s been easier," she says. Cooley went to work the next day and eventually discontinued blood thinners altogether.
Today, she says, “I feel good about my future health knowing I don’t have to take as much [medicine] because of these steps I took for myself.” By sharing her experience, Cooley encourages others with AFib to explore their options and has advised friends and family members who are considering LAAC therapy: “It’s a testament to the importance of taking control of one's health and making informed decisions to ensure a healthy and strong future.”
Learn more about our WATCHMAN FLX therapy.