Watchman?

[Barb1]

Hi, has anyone else had a watchman or similar fitted to isolate the atrial appendage where blood clots can form? I am waiting for a clot to be re-absorbed before my 4th ablation and wonder if I should ask for this to be done at the same time.

[BobD Volunteer]

My understanding is that this is not a generally available treatment but I could be wrong. It depends where you live I guess. There are few centres which perform this procedure as well as one (or maybe two) that do left atrial appendage removal by a minimally invasive procedure but I'm not sure it is available on NHS in UK.

Bob

[Barb1 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob. I wonder if any of our community has had it done privately?

[rosyG]

Hi

Our speaker in November specialises in this- don't know if your ablation will be before or after that??

[Barb1 in reply to rosyG]

It will be after so I will look forward to the talk

[Barb1 in reply to rosyG]

It will be after so I will look forward to the talk

[AnticoagulateNow]

I don't think this procedure is commonplace. It seems to be reserved for those that are unable to take anticoagulants for one reason or another. As a layman it does seem odd to me that there are not more of these, particularly when you look at the statistic that says that 95% of all AF related clots originate in this appendage. I can only assume it is a more risky procedure than others.

[Fussyface]

I am going to see a cardiac surgeon this afternoon with a view to having a MAZE ablation with removal of the cardiac appendage. But that's all one procedure, it's a keyhole procedure through the ribs .

[Offcut]

Sounds like a fantastic bit of kit. I have lived with AF since diagnosed 1992 and been on warfarin ever since.

dailymail.co.uk/health/arti...

The lady seems more anti warfarin than the surgeon?

Be Well

[tss1hsc]

An cardio-electrophycist, in Richmond, VA, suggested the Watchman procedure to me and I'm giving it some thought...will google it to get more information.........T