If you suffer from atrial fibrillation (AFib), your risk of developing blood clots and experiencing a stroke may be higher. At the WMCHealth Heart and Vascular Institute, we are committed to discovering the most effective and innovative strategies for stroke prevention. That’s why we offer the WATCHMAN device to reduce your risk for stroke and serve as an alternative to the lifelong use of blood thinners.
How Does the WATCHMAN Device Work?
AFib affects how your heart squeezes to pump blood. Blood can collect in a pouch called your left atrial appendage (LAA) where blood clots are known to form. These blood clots can break away and travel through your bloodstream to the brain, causing a stroke. The WATCHMAN device is a quarter-sized, parachute-shaped implant that seals the LAA and prevents blood clots from entering your bloodstream.
Am I a Candidate for the Device?
Traditionally, blood thinners are the default treatment to prevent blood clots. These medications would need to be taken throughout your entire lifetime, potentially making side effects more challenging to manage. The WATCHMAN device can be an alternative treatment for AFib for many people.
The WATCHMAN device might be a good option for you if:
- Your AFib isn’t caused by heart valve problems.
- You need to avoid blood thinners due to risk factors such as high blood pressure or history of a stroke, which increase the risk of major bleeding.
- You have a very active career or lifestyle, or have a high risk of falling. This makes taking blood thinners more risky due to an increased risk of major bleeding in the event of a medical trauma.
WMCHeath specializes in multidisciplinary and holistic care that is tailored to you. We will help you determine whether the WATCHMAN device is the right AFib treatment for you.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Your WMCHealth team of interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and anesthesia specialists will work together to perform this minimally invasive implantation procedure. The procedure takes about an hour, and here’s what you can expect:
- Your anesthesiologist will give you general anesthesia to put you to sleep.
- Your electrophysiologist and interventional cardiologist will make a small incision through your groin.
- They’ll insert a catheter with the WATCHMAN device into the incision to reach a vein in your leg that connects to your heart.
- With the help of advanced imagery, they’ll guide the catheter to your heart and place the device in your left atrial appendage (LAA).
- They will then remove the catheter and close your incision with a stitch.
Risks and Side Effects of the WATCHMAN Device
Risks and side effects of the WATCHMAN device are low and have become less frequent, especially as the device is now a more standard treatment. Additionally, our skilled interventional cardiologists have a reputation for innovation. This means you receive the latest, most effective procedural approach to reduce your risk for complications.
Rare risks and side effects of the WATCHMAN procedure include:
- Infection
- Blood clots near the device
- Pericardial effusion (fluid buildup in the membranes around your heart)
- Stroke
Recovery After a WATCHMAN Procedure
Following the procedure, you will likely need to stay in the hospital overnight. Your cardiology care team will monitor you for any signs of complications.
Your doctor will advise when it’s safe to return to your normal activities, which is usually after a few days. However, you should talk to your doctor before beginning any strenuous physical activity.
You will still need to take blood thinners for several weeks after your procedure. Your doctor will discuss when it’s best for you to stop taking them.