Watchman device

a-fib.com/a-fib-related-str...

[BobD Volunteer]

This device as been around for some years but is not currently available in UK as far as I know. There was a trial last year but funds quickly ran out for NHS funding I understand.

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

I found it on Twitter, I really don't know. It sounds more promising than ablation to me.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Does nothing to stop A but.merely closes off the LAA in the hope of stopping clots from getting out. As such it is useful for those few people for whom anti-coagulation is difficult due to drug intolerance. Ablation is still the best chance of being meds free (apart from anticoagulation which most prefer to stay on for life. )

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

Google GDF11, I'm looking for a doctor who is willing to try this with me.

[Beancounter Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Hi xzreff

I am sure in the US fiding a doctor won't be hard, but as Bob D says it is not a treatment for AF, merely a way of closing off the most common area where clots may form in the left atria.

But it's not the only one, clots can form in other parts of the atria (less likely I agree) so you still need to think about potential anti coagulation, and of course treating the AF itself.

Be well

Ian

[Hidden in reply to Beancounter]

You mean GDF11?

[Beancounter Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Hi xzreff

No I meant the Watchman, you personal call on GDF11

[Hidden in reply to Beancounter]

Watchman, Ablation neither cure AFIB. Drugs don't work either. At least at least GDF11 holds the promise of a cure.

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

I really don't understand this thread at all. You post a link to Watchman device and then talk about GDF11.

Please can you explainwhat it is and why you think it may help AF?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to CDreamer]

If you google GDF11 this appears to be a commercially available "anti ageing" gene enhancer for want of a better description. Very controversial and highly experimental even in mice. Not something to cavalierly play about with I think. Quite what this has to do with watchman is anybody's guess. But then this thread is quite weird.

[CDreamer in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob, completely agree, the evidence is very flaky and in supplement form can have opposite to desired effect in humans.

I found absolutely no reference to AF - hence my post.

[CDreamer in reply to CDreamer]

Get my drift?

[seasider18 in reply to Hidden]

As BobD says it won't stop your AF but it will get you off 'blood thinners'

I'm in permanent AF but not with a high heart rate and take no medications. At my Amplatzer follow up I said to the consultant that my NHS EP had offered to do a cryoablation and cardioversion. He asked why I wanted that done and I said to save me two or three trips a year to A&E when it seems out of control. Not a good enough reason he said. It is always triggered by my digestion/vagus nerve and it doesn’t worry me and always settles down eventually if I sit it out, it is just having the confidence to do that.

The consultant I see at the hypertension centre also questioned my need for it and said “Ask what the success rate is.

[seasider18 in reply to BobD]

The Watchman is available at many private hospitals including the Harley Street Clinic and London Bridge Hospital. The quote I had over two years ago was a lot more than I paid for the Amplatzer Device.

[azriverrat]

Vijay Swarup in Phoenix AZ has installed many watchman devices.

[Angie06]

At the moment there is no funding in the UK for this device and I am on a waiting list. I'd love to hear from anyone who has had this procedure in the UK.

[seasider18 in reply to Angie06]

There is also a new version of the Amplatzer Amulet that was trialed at 10 NHS hospitals last year. I applied to get on it and although deemed suitable did not get on the list. I had considered the Watchman three years ago but put if off until after I had my pacemaker fitted. Then speaking to an EP while in hospital he said that he fitted the Amplatzer for NHS patients. His offer never materialised and then the new version came on the market and it seemed a better option than the Watchman. I was off and on warfarin for five years as it affected my weight bearing joints and with history of stomach ulcers I was always more afraid of a bleed than a stroke. NOAC's are contra indicated with my tissue aortic valve.

I contacted the Royal Sussex again but the NHS are not funding the devices at the moment so I had it done privately. One month on plavix and six months on aspirin and then drug free. The Brighton cardiologist has already fitted 120 of them. The procedure is quite straight forward (but expensive) and takes about 90 minutes to do. It is day surgery if done in the morning but as mine was not done until late afternoon it was an overnight stay.

The follow up echocardiogram showed the device to be well seated and I do not need another follow up. I now have peace of mind and feel much better and the joint pains are after nearly three months more or less gone. My nails are about back to normal, bruises are much reduced and cuts and don't bleed for ages and I now get a better shave as I can use a proper razor.

sussexcardiologist.co.uk/le...

sussexcardiologist.co.uk/pa...

[Angie06 in reply to seasider18]

Thank you for replying I might investigate further and find out about having it done privately too.

[seasider18 in reply to Angie06]

I was told that it will be at least two years before funding is available again. Overall it would save the NHS money compared to a lifetime on NOACs

[MarkS]

I would be very cautious of using the watchman device, see this article by the eminent EP John Mandola:

medscape.com/viewarticle/87...

"Left Atrial Appendage Closure Should Stop Now"

[seasider18 in reply to MarkS]

There are more papers in favour of it than against it.

I use Google Alert for both devices and get all the references to them. The FDA have approved them as have NICE.

[seasider18 in reply to MarkS]

Two for your consideration

cardiacrhythmnews.com/hrs-2...

cardiacrhythmnews.com/europ...

[MarkS in reply to seasider18]

Thanks, Seasider18. I note that the first study was funded by Boston Scientific, the makers of the Watchman device and the author was paid by Boston Scientific. The 2nd paper was more independent as "industry did not support the study or had influence in the design, conduct and data analysis". It seems you're still strongly recommended to continue with anti-coagulation/anti platelet with these devices.

I still don't know what to make of the devices. I think more independent trials are needed.

[seasider18 in reply to MarkS]

My consultant said Plavix for a month and aspirin for six months others say to continue with Warfarin or a NOAC for 3 months. There are now other companies making similar devices as it thought to be a huge market. St Jude Medical who made the Amplatzer have been taken over by Abbott.

No doubt I'll be reporting back as others show an interest in it.

[seasider18 in reply to MarkS]

Boston Scientific are now advertising the Watchman on TV in selected areas in America

fiercebiotech.com/medtech/s...