As an electrophysiologist at Temple Health, I’ve seen firsthand how innovative treatments can transform care for patients with heart rhythm disorders. The Watchman device is one such treatment that can potentially replace blood thinners for many of my patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).
To prevent stroke, which is a serious potential complication of AFib, I often prescribe anticoagulant medicines (blood thinners) for AFib patients. Anticoagulants, such as apixaban, are highly effective at protecting patients from blood clots and reducing the risk of a stroke. However, blood thinners are not the best choice for everyone. There is some anxiety and risk associated with being on blood thinners, and these risks and feelings may lead patients to change their daily routines.
The Watchman device offers a revolutionary alternative to blood thinners. This compact implant — about the size of a quarter — provides lifelong protection, keeping harmful, stroke-causing blood clots from forming, thus replacing the need for prescription blood thinners.
If you or a loved one has AFib that’s not caused by a heart valve problem (nonvalvular AFib), here are some of the reasons you may want to consider talking with your cardiologist or cardiac electrophysiologist about the Watchman device.
Watchman reduces stroke risk
AFib makes it harder for the heart to pump blood the way it should. The irregular, inefficient rhythm can cause blood to pool in a small pouch in the muscle of the heart’s upper left chamber. When blood stops moving, it begins to form clots. When those clots escape and travel to the brain, they can cause a stroke.
That's where the Watchman implant comes in: it prevents clots from forming in that small cardiac pouch, and thus, all but eliminates the risk of a clot leaving the heart and reaching the brain.
The procedure is minimally invasive, and recovery is quick
Watchman devices are implanted in a one-time, minimally invasive catheter-based procedure (no incision) performed under general anesthesia. Your cardiac electrophysiologist will place the Watchman through a blood vessel in the leg and up into the heart, similar to the way a stent is placed. This process only takes 60 to 90 minutes.
Once the device is in place, heart tissue grows to cover it, blocking blood clots from exiting the heart. This tissue growth takes about 45 days, during which patients may continue to take an anticoagulant (although that is not always necessary). This growth period doesn’t slow my patients down. They’re typically able to return home the day after their Watchman implantation. And, in most cases, my patients are able to return to work and other everyday activities within days.
Watchman eliminates the need for blood thinners
In a clinical trial, 96% of patients were able to stop taking their prescription blood thinners 45 days after receiving the Watchman device. Once blood thinners are stopped, patients typically move on to take clopidogrel (a different type of anti-clotting medication) and baby aspirin for six months. After that, they can just take aspirin.
Many of my AFib patients tell me that life without blood thinners comes with significant benefits. These include:
- No more worries about bruising and bleeding. Blood-thinning medications can increase the risk for severe bleeding problems. Small injuries, like a nick from shaving or a bruise from a minor fall, can potentially turn serious. When a patient stops taking blood thinners, they can do more everyday activities and things they enjoy without worry.
- Increased freedom. Missing doses of an anticoagulant can meaningfully increase the risk of stroke, which means patients must arrange their activities to ensure a consistent schedule. I have had patients who worry about travel or certain activities, like riding a bike, in case of an injury that leads to bleeding complications.
- Fewer side effects. While the biggest risk of taking blood thinners is increased bleeding, like any medication, blood thinners can cause side effects in some patients.
- Cost and time savings. Depending on a person’s insurance, blood thinner co-pays can add up. Watchman implants are often covered by insurance, and while a procedure, can end up being less expensive to a patient than filling prescriptions for blood thinners each month.
- Less worry about drug interactions. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen and naproxen, can increase the effects of blood thinners and raise a person's risk for harmful bleeding even more.
The Watchman device is safe and effective
The Watchman is the most implanted device of its kind approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for reducing the risk of stroke in people with nonvalvular AFib. More than 150,000 people have received the device worldwide, and here at Temple Health, our highly trained team is among the most experienced in the region.
Is the Watchman right for you?
Schedule an appointment with a Temple cardiac electrophysiologist today to assess your condition and find out if the Watchman can help you manage your AFib without anticoagulants. Call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or request an appointment online.
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