Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device: A One-Time Implant that Helps Reduce AFib Stroke Risk:
Are you ready for an alternative to blood thinners?
The WATCHMAN™ Implant is about the size of a quarter and made from very light and compact materials commonly used in many medical implants.
What is atrial fibrillation (Afib)?
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. With a normal heart rhythm organized and predictable electrical impulses originate from the sinus node. With atrial fibrillation, multiple chaotic electrical signals originate all over the atria at a very fast rate (about 300 - 600 per minute). The ventricles receive these signals and contract separately from the atria. This process results in an irregular and usually a fast heart rate.
Watchman ™ Advantages
- Minimally invasive catheter-based procedure
- One-time procedure lasting about an hour
- 24-hour recovery time - go home the next day
- Alternative to blood thinners for stroke risk reduction
What is WATCHMAN?™
WATCHMAN™ is a permanent implant that offers an alternative to the lifelong use of blood thinners. It’s about the size of a quarter and made from very light and compact materials commonly used in many other medical implants.
How WATCHMAN™ Works
WATCHMAN™ effectively reduces the risk of stroke by permanently closing off the LAA to keep blood clots from escaping. WATCHMAN™ can eliminate the bleeding risks and regular blood tests and food-and-drink restrictions that come with warfarin. In a clinical trial, 9 out of 10 people were able to stop taking warfarin just 45 days after the WATCHMAN™ procedure.
The Sentara Heart Valve and Structural Disease Center is a comprehensive center offering highly specialized services and innovative treatments. The center focuses on quality care and serves as a destination medical center for the Mid-Atlantic region. Our team of cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiologists work with each patient individually to evaluate and create a personalized treatment plan. We specialize in advanced catheter-based procedures such as the WATCHMAN™ and transcatheter valve procedures including TAVR and MitraClip.
Sentara Heart Hospital was among the first hospitals in Virginia to implant the WATCHMAN™ device, a proven alternative to long-term warfarin therapy for stroke risk reduction.
It is important to know that a stroke can be due to other causes, including high blood pressure and narrowing of the blood vessels to the brain. The WATCHMAN™ device will not prevent these other causes of stroke and is not a cure for Afib.