Councilman Rosendahl Gets Good News from Heart Doc, Shares on Facebook

told his Facebook friends Saturday that his cardiologist has taken him off blood thinners.

"What a wonderful way to start the weekend," he posted on his Facebook status. "The doctor took me off blood thinners on Friday and Dr. [Shephal] Doshi said everything looked great!"

The 11th District representative was in January to treat atrial fibrillation.

Rosendahl is the latest recipient of the Watchman: A  thumb-sized medical device shaped like a tiny umbrella.

The device traps blood clots before they enter the blood stream. The aim is to reduce the chance of a stroke.

Rosendahl had his first checkup since the procedure on Friday.

According to Rosendahl's office, Doshi  reported that "everything looked great. Bill is a poster child for the procedure."

Rosendahl often uses , Facebook and to communicate with constituents. He announced his return to work after the procedure on YouTube [see video.]

For the past several years, Rosendahl has had atrial fibrillation—an abnormal heart rhythm which can cause blood clots and lead to a stroke.

Although he has felt fine, Rosendahl has been treated with a blood-thinning medicine called warfarin, which can have a range of side effects.

In some people, warfarin can cause unpleasant side affects such as bruising or bleeding. The drugs can also impose limitations on a patient’s diet, physical activity and travel. The Watchman procedure, which is used widely in Europe, Asia and Australia, is undergoing a clinical trial in the United States as an alternative treatment to warfarin. Rosendahl qualified for the procedure last month.

Doshi is on staff at Pacific Heart Institute in Santa Monica.