WATCHMAN Implant
The WATCHMAN implant is a long-term, alternative resolution to taking blood-thinning medication for atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem.
To implant WATCHMAN, your doctor makes a small incision in the upper leg and inserts a narrow tube to the heart. This tube guides the WATCHMAN to the LAA where is it inserted. This one-time procedure generally takes one hour or less, and is done with general anesthesia. Patients can typically go home the day after surgery.
In the weeks following the procedure, a patient’s heart tissue grows over the WATCHMAN implant, creating a barrier between the heart and the LAA.
Who can benefit from WATCHMAN?
- Patients who are unable to tolerate warfarin due to bleeding or other side effects
- Patients who have difficulty controlling their warfarin levels
- Patients who experience a decrease in quality of life due to warfarin therapy
How can I find out if the WATCHMAN implant is right for me?
If you have AFib not caused by a heart valve condition and are seeking an alternative to taking blood-thinning medication, you may be eligible for the WATCHMAN implant. Our cardiologists do a comprehensive evaluation to determine if the procedure is an appropriate treatment option for you.