The WATCHMAN™ Difference
If you are at increased risk for a stroke and your doctor has determined that you are suitable for blood thinners like anticoagulants, but not for long-term use, the WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Device may be a safe alternative for you.
What is the WATCHMAN device?
WATCHMAN is a permanent implant that reduces stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem – things like a congenital heart defect, obstructive sleep apnea, for example. It works by closing off a part of the heart where blood clots commonly form, which is known as the left atrial appendage. by closing off the appendate, this replaces the need to take blood thinners for atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Understanding atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm. Some symptoms include:
- Feelings of palpitations – fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Shortness of breath
Frequently Asked Questions about WATCHMAN
Is Watchman right for me?
If you are at increased risk for a stroke and your doctor has determined that you are suitable for blood thinners, but not for long\-term use, the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) device may be a safe alternative for you. WATCHMAN reduces the risk of left atrial appendage blood clots from entering the bloodstream and causing a stroke in patients with non\-valvular atrial fibrillation. The Beacon WATCHMAN team can determine if you are a candidate.
What is Watchman?
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) is a device implanted during a minimally invasive, one-time procedure that reduces stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. The WATCHMAN implant is permanent and about the size of a quarter. It works differently from blood thinners by closing off a part of the heart where blood clots commonly form. The Beacon WATCHMAN team can determine if you are a candidate.
What are the benefits of Watchman?
WATCHMAN reduces the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem by preventing blood clots from forming in the left atrial appendage. The procedure is minimally invasive, so you can usually leave the hospital the next day. It can eliminate your need for long-term use of blood thinners and the risks associated with them.
Which doctors perform the WATCHMAN procedure at Beacon?
Beacon has several locations you can visit (South Bend, Elkhart, and Goshen) to discuss WATCHMAN and the procedure is performed at Elkhart General Hospital and Memorial Hospital South Bend.
What does the WATCHMAN procedure involve?
WATCHMAN is an implant that fits into a part of your heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA). It does not require open-heart surgery. The one-time procedure is done under general anesthesia and typically takes about an hour. Your doctor inserts a narrow tube in your upper leg and guides it to your LAA to place the implant. WATCHMAN decreases hospital stay and recovery time for heart patients because they usually stay in the hospital overnight and go home the next day.
Do I need a referral for WATCHMAN?
To see if WATCHMAN is right for you, schedule an appointment with any of Beacon’s WATCHMAN experts in South Bend, Elkhart, Goshen and La Porte.
About our team
Beacon has the experience and technology you’re looking for, with advanced cardiovascular specialists. For example, our team has performed 1,000 minimally invasive surgeries, including Watchman, TAVR, and MitraClip™. Trust your heart to us.
