STOP…2023 Is Here, New Technology
A one Time-Procedure
An Alternative to Blood Thinners, New Technology
The Watchman device is used to close off the left atrial appendage. It is a one-time, minimally invasive procedure for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem (also known as non-valvular A-Fib) who need an alternative to blood thinners. Stop.. 2023 is here, New Technology has advanced and there are more options than ever before.
What is a Watchman device implant specifically? It is a parachute-shaped, self-expanding device that is placed in the opening of the Left Atrial Appendage, or LAA. The device seals the LAA and prevents the release of any clots that may form within the LAA. A onetime procedure.
The connection between Atrial fibrillation and stroke
Stop.. 2023 is here, New Technology
Atrial fibrillation, or A-Fib, affects your heart’s ability to pump blood normally. This can cause blood to pool in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage, or LAA.
When a blood clot escapes
When a blood clot escapes from the LAA and travels to another part of the body, it can cut off the blood supply to the brain, causing a stroke.
In people with A-Fib not caused by a heart valve problem, more than 90% of stroke-causing clots that come from the heart are formed in the LAA. That’s why closing off this part of the heart is an effective way to reduce stroke risk, It makes perfect sense.
The Watchman Implant fits right into your LAA.
It’s designed to permanently close it off and keep those blood clots from escaping.
Watchman is about the size of a quarter and made from very light and compact materials commonly used in many other medical implants. It’s a one-time procedure and you can Stop taking blood thinners forever.
How The Watchman Procedure is Done
Just How Big Is The Implant?
The Watchman Implant fits right into your LAA. It’s designed to permanently close it off and keep those blood clots from escaping. Watchman device implant is about the size of a quarter and made from very light and compact materials commonly used in many other medical implants. It’s a safe and effective alternative to blood thinners.
In a clinical trial, 96% of people were able to stop taking blood thinners just 45 days after the Watchman procedure. It’s a permanent device that doesn’t have to be replaced and can’t be seen outside the body.
Watchman Proceedure
Here’s How They Do It
Procedure-To implant the Watchman, your doctor makes a small cut in your upper leg and inserts a narrow tube, as done in a standard stent procedure. Your doctor then guides Watchman into the left atrial appendage (LAA) of your heart.
The procedure is done under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. Patients commonly stay in the hospital overnight and leave the next day.
AFTER The Proceedure
After the procedure, you’ll take blood thinners for 45 days or until your LAA is permanently closed off. They want to make sure it’s been a success and give you time to heal.
Heart tissue will grow over the implant to form a barrier against blood clots. Your doctor will monitor this process.
After the Procedure
Your doctor will then prescribe a medicine called Plavix and aspirin for you to take for 6 months. After that, you’ll continue to take aspirin on an ongoing basis. A very small number of patients may need to keep taking blood thinners long term.
Due to the risk of having a medical procedure, patients should not be considered for Watchman if they are doing well and expect to continue doing well on blood thinners.
Why The Watchman?
Imagine Getting Off Of Blood Thinners For Life
The Watchman device implant may be a life-changing alternative to the lifelong use of blood thinners for those who need one. In a one-time procedure, it effectively reduces the risk of stroke in people with A-fib not caused by a heart valve problem.
If you have atrial fibrillation and you take a blood thinner to reduce your stroke risk, you’re probably aware of the bleeding risks that come with your medication.
The longer you’re on blood thinners, the more you’re at risk for a bleeding episode. Stay Informed-over 150,000 people have left blood thinners behind for the Watchman One Time Procedure.
It’s important to talk to your cardiologist about your options first
Safety Information
There’s Always A Risk With Surgery
With all medical procedures there are risks associated with the implant procedure and the use of the device. For many, these risks out-weigh the suffering, this is a case by case basis.
The risks include but are not limited to accidental heart puncture, air embolism, allergic reaction, anemia, anesthesia risks, arrhythmias. AV (Arteriovenous) fistula, bleeding or throat pain from the TEE (Trans Esophageal Echo) probe.
Risks Include:
- Blood clot or air bubbles in the lungs or other organs
- Bruising at the catheter insertion site
- Clot formation on the device
- Cranial bleed
- Excessive bleeding
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Groin puncture bleed
- Hypotension
- Infection/pneumonia
- Pneumothorax
- Pulmonary edema
- Pulmonary vein obstruction
- Renal failure
- Stroke
- Thrombosis and transient ischemic attack. In rare cases death can occur.
Proven Safety Outcomes
Thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of the device.
Cost of the implant
Medicare and Medicaid will cover all costs for this implant.
2015 Lawsuit
2022 Update
Cause of injuries were due to assembly defect in early production. There has been a recall
March 23,2021
“In so holding, the court makes no determination on federal preemption at this time. Rather, the court has determined that plaintiff has merely sufficiently pleaded enough facts to overcome a motion to dismiss as to the preemption issue,” Cogburn said.
There may be other devices to choose from. Don’t settle!
STOP! ….2023 is here with New Technology
Dedicated and World Renowned Surgeon Surfaces
After 2 years of researching Atrial Fibrillation, treatments, procedures and the latest ablations and pacemaker implants. I’ve discovered our biggest hope of getting off blood thinners …for life! The longer you are on blood thinners the more chances of bleeding in later years.
Dr. Randall WOlf, first and foremost, he is a leading innovator in minimally invasive treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. The first North American heart surgeon to perform robotic assisted coronary bypass surgery.
Dr. Randall Wolf is known for helping design the smaller tools neccessary to successfully perform the “MiniMaze Procedure” for Atrial Fibrillation.
He’s also a magician…click on the link under his picture for more information on Dr. Wolf’s accomplishments.
Conclusion
Talk to your doctor before making any decisions about changes in your regimen. Not all people can have this procedure done, so do more research to find out if this is right for you.
Take a shortsurvey, is it right for you?
If I can Help just “one person” I will be happy, just one.
Online information
my-heart-health.com
Thanks for stopping in, Bless you,
