Watchman Device

A Watchman device is a medical device that is implanted in the heart to help prevent blood clots from forming and causing strokes in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is a heart condition where the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. The Watchman device is designed to close off a small pouch in the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA), where most blood clots in AFib patients form.

During the Watchman procedure, a doctor will insert a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) into a vein in your groin and guide it up to your heart. The Watchman device is then passed through the catheter and positioned at the opening of the LAA. The device is made up of a small, expandable mesh structure that is designed to block off the LAA, preventing blood from entering and forming clots. Over time, the device becomes covered by the lining of the heart and becomes a permanent part of your heart tissue.

The Watchman procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete. After the procedure, you will need to stay in the hospital for a day or two to be monitored, and you may need to take blood-thinning medication for a short period of time. The device is usually effective at reducing the risk of stroke in people with AFib, but like all medical procedures, it does carry some risks, including bleeding and infection. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks of the Watchman procedure with you in detail before you decide whether it is right for you.