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Many people with atrial fibrillation (AFIB) take blood thinners to lower their stroke risk, but these medications aren't safe for everyone. The Watchman is an FDA-approved device that lowers the risk of stroke in people with AFIB who are unable to take blood-thinning drugs.
The Watchman device is implanted in your heart during a minimally invasive, one-hour procedure through a small incision in your leg. Most patients can return to everyday activities the next day.
The Watchman device can help to lower stroke risk in people with AFIB who can’t take blood-thinning medications.
It is a parachute-shaped, implanted device that closes off the left atrial appendage of the heart. It prevents blood clots from traveling from your heart to your brain and causing a stroke.
AFIB may cause blood clots to form in a section of the heart called the left atrial appendage. If a blood clot moves from the heart to the brain, it could cause a stroke. Blood-thinning medications can lower the risk of blood clots and stroke, but some people cannot take blood thinners.
The Watchman device is another option to lower stroke risk in people who:
You may be a candidate for the Watchman device if you are at increased risk of stroke due to AFIB that is not caused by heart valve disease and cannot safely take blood thinners. Your doctor will work with you to find the best treatment option to manage your stroke risk.
The Watchman device is implanted during a minimally invasive procedure that requires anesthesia. As with any surgical procedure, unexpected problems can sometimes occur.
Placement of the Watchman device includes risk of:
Before your procedure, your doctor may order imaging tests to look at the size and structure of your heart.
You will be under general anesthesia during your Watchman procedure, so you should follow your doctor’s instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. Your doctor will let you know if and when you should stop taking certain medications.
On the day of your procedure, be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.
Most people who have the Watchman procedure stay in the hospital overnight. To ensure your comfort during your hospital stay, you should bring toiletries, a robe, slippers, a cell phone and charger, medications and a change of clothes.
The Watchman procedure takes about an hour.
Your Watchman procedure will be performed under general anesthesia in the catheterization lab. During a Watchman procedure, your doctor:
You will be taken to the recovery area after your Watchman procedure is complete. After you wake up from the anesthesia, you will be taken to your hospital room. Nurses will monitor your vital signs and pain level while you are in the hospital.
Recovery is quick. Most people spend one night in the hospital. You should be able to resume normal daily activities after about 24 hours. However, you might want to arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital.
You should avoid heavy lifting and pulling for seven days after your procedure.
Your doctor will let you know when you can fully return to all your normal activities and will schedule you for a follow-up appointment after your procedure.
Your doctor may change the dose of your medications after your procedure. It is important that you follow your doctor's instructions for taking your medication. You should not make any changes to your medications or dosages without first talking to your doctor.
Call your doctor right away if you have:
Over time, scar tissue will form around the Watchman device, closing off your left atrial appendage forever. This stops blood clots from forming and reduces your risk of stroke. As a result, you may be able to safely stop taking blood-thinning medication.
Studies have shown that after the Watchman device is placed, it offers as much protection against stroke as blood thinners. Six months after the Watchman procedure, most patients do not need blood-thinning medication and take only aspirin.
UPMC is one of a select group of hospitals in the United States — and one of the first in Pennsylvania — to treat people with AFIB using the FDA-approved Watchman device.
When you choose UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute for your Watchman procedure, you will receive expert care from some of the region's most experienced cardiologists. Our cardiologists are at the forefront of emerging Watchman techniques and are participating in research to test new devices that could improve patient outcomes.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.
