
WATCHMAN is a permanent device that’s a great option for people who are at risk for serious issues related to using blood thinners.
Experts with Altru’s Structural Heart Clinic performed its first WATCHMAN procedures in March 2019. Our team works together to evaluate and educate each patient who may require WATCHMAN, with the goal of ensuring a successful recovery.
WATCHMAN is a device that is implanted into the heart in a one-time procedure, placed through an incision in the leg. WATCHMAN can safely lower a patient’s risk for stroke without a bleeding risk. After patients have the WATCHMAN placed, they may no longer need the regular blood tests and restrictions on food and drink that are often in place with blood thinner use.
WATCHMAN is implanted to close off the part of the heart, the left atrial appendage (LAA), where blood clots may form as a result of atrial fibrillation (AFib). If you have AFib, it can affect your heart’s ability to pump blood. In turn, this can cause blood to pool in your LAA, resulting in blood cells sticking together and forming a clot. A stroke can occur if that clot moves through your body and cuts off the blood supply to your brain. Over 90% of clots that result in a stroke form in the LAA in people with AFib that is unrelated to a heart valve problem. By closing off the LAA, the WATCHMAN effectively reduces stroke risk.
The primary benefit of implanting WATCHMAN is a reduced risk of stroke and blood clots. Some patients cannot safely take blood thinners, as they also have a high risk of bleeding. Until recently, these patients were left with the options of either not taking blood thinners (thereby increasing their risk of stroke) or taking blood thinners (exposing them to increased risk of bleeding). The WATCHMAN procedure allows patients an alternative to reduce their stroke risk.
Implanting WATCHMAN may offer many other benefits to patients, including:
Before the Procedure
During the Procedure
After the Procedure
Meet with a provider to determine if you may be a candidate for WATCHMAN, or request an appointment at Altru Heart & Vascular Services through MyChart.
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