Left Atrial Appendage
The Watchman™ Device Implantation Technique
The Watchman™ Device is made for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who need treatment to prevent blood clots in the heart.
The watchmen device is a minimally invasive, one-time procedure designed to reduce the risk of strokes that originate in the left atrial appendage (LAA).
Why is it done?
The device can potentially eliminate the need for the long term use of blood thinning medication by closing the left atrial appendage which is a major source of blood clots in patients with AF. This device not only has the ability reduce the risk of stroke, but also improve quality of life by eliminating the need of long term anticoagulants.
Suitability wth anticoagulation medication
Patients who have non-valvular atrial fibrillation who require treatment for potential blood clot formation in the heart and unable to take anticoagulation medication such as Warfarin may be eligible to be treated with the Watchmen device.
The Procedure
The procedure usually lasts about an hour and the patient is typically in the hospital for 24 hours following the procedure.
Suitability
Some patients are not suitable candidates for anticoagulation therapy due to a high bleeding risk, already experienced a bleed on anticoagulants, concurrent medication use (such as anti-platelet agents) and widely fluctuating blood thinning levels. Others with atrial fibrillation are unwilling to take anticoagulants for long periods of time due to the increased risk of bleeding and falls, as well as stringent blood monitory requirements and dietary restrictions.
What to expect
The Watchman device placement procedure is done under general anaesthesia in a specialised cardiac catheterisation laboratory.
After Implant
After six weeks following the successful Watchman implantation procedure patients can discontinue using anticoagulation medications.