WATCHMAN
WATCHMAN
Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device
People with AFib often face lifelong use of blood thinners to reduce their risk of stroke. The one-time WATCHMAN™ procedure offers an effective alternative for those that are at high risk of bleeding complications or have had difficulties tolerating blood thinners.
The WATCHMAN™ device permanently seals off the left atrial appendage, a section of the heart that is the site of almost all stroke-causing blood clots in people who have AFib. This permanent implant can reduce your risk of stroke as effectively as warfarin. And, unlike warfarin, WATCHMAN™ can also reduce your long-term risk of bleeding and eliminate the regular blood tests and food-and-drink restrictions that come with warfarin. Most people can stop taking warfarin 45 days after the WATCHMAN™ procedure.
WATCHMAN may be right for people who:
- Have atrial fibrillation not caused by heart valve problems
- Have been recommended to take blood thinning medicines by their doctor
- Can take warfarin or other blood thinners but need an alternative because they have a history of bleeding or a lifestyle that puts them at risk for bleeding
Learn more about WATCHMAN here.