Watchman device

[wilsond]

Anyone had one of these please? Any information would be welcome

[rosyG]

Do a lot of research as there have been new developments and improvements since these started. You probably know they are put into the atrial appendage so the slower moving blood, when we are in AF, doesn't collect here and form clots.

Let us know how you get on

[Hidden]

I think irina1975 had one very recently but she has the flu right now

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi everyone. (Monday Jan 22, 2018 11 PM) Feeling much better and able to think clearly. Caught up on my sleep and I think the flu sx are finally ending. Thank God!!!! I did have the Watchman Procedure a week ago today and so far so good. Where do I start? I only learned about it a few months ago but was very interested in anything that would help me eventually get off of blood thinner medications. As I am a retired operating nurse I was very interested in watching the actual videos I found during my research on the net. Two that were particularly helpful re deciding what questions to ask my doctors were 1) done at a hospital in Germany and 2) a video filmed at Hammersmith Hospital in London. (I live in Atlanta Georgia in the US). BTW for me the videos were interesting but if you're not into watching real surgery this is not a necessary informational step. This procedure-which seals off a small appendage attached to the heart where it is believed a high percentage of clots associated with atrial fibrillation are formed has been around for some years though in a more involved form of surgery. The technical name for the procedure as it reads on my operative report is " Closure of Left Atrial Appendage Opening." The procedure is now able to be done using cardiac catheters inserted through veins usually in the groin, saving the patient from having an open incision inorder to reach the appendage, The procedure is done under general anesthesia using video cameras to guide the catheter and enabling the surgeon to see every step of the procedure. There was, for me, no pain afterward and, after, staying overnight for monitoring, was able to go home the next day. Not everyone is a candidate but many are. If not for the flu I wouldhave felt well on day 2 and am continuing to feel well. My reason for choosing this option was to eventually get off my blood thinner med. If you're happy with your anticoagulation meds and doing well I would say let sleeping dogs lie. But if you are interested to find out if maybe this procedure might be for you my advice is to seek a consult with an Electrophysiologist. NOT a GP/ NOT a regular cardiologist/ but with an Electrophysiologist They are the only Doctors trained to do this procedure. Not all do them but they will guide you to the specific doctors in their practice who perform them. Even though this procedure seems safe and uncomplicated, it is still surgery and not to be taken lightly. Every surgery contains risks and the right doctor will explain what you can expect, be open about the risks so you can make the best decision for yourself. I would say, do your research, pay for the consult.(It is usually covered by insurance). Investigating doesn't mean you have to have the procedure. I don't want to overinform but if you have questions please post them to me and I will try to answer as well and honestly as possible. If you live outside the US the term "Watchman" may not be used. That is the name of the device used here and I understand it got its name from the doctor that designed it. It may have another name in your country. Same procedure, just another name. As with any surgery/procedure there can always be things that can go wrong (complications). Many can be fixed in the spot, some may add to the healing time. Your consulting (EP) electrophysiologist will help you understand possible problems. Mine went smoothly; I'm happy I had it and that I am on my way of getting off my anticoagulant meds. It will take about 4-6 months of weaning off in stages depending on how quickly the healing/closure happens for me. Will post as I move forward. Hope this info is helpful. Thanks for reading all my typing. irina1975

[Angie06 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Irina, so glad you've got over the flu so soon as well. I'm unable to take anticoagulant due to brain cavernomas so the Watcman would be a good alternative for me, just hope it goes as well as yours! I think I've done too much googling and scared myself into thinking it will go wrong, so really pleased to know that yours went so well.

[Hidden in reply to Angie06]

Glad I could help. They really are not such a complicated procedure. I really wish you a good surgery that day.

[Angie06]

Irina has had one and is going to let me know how she got on with the procedure when she's well again. I'm due to have one in March and feel apprehensive so would also be keen to hear from anyone else who has one fitted.

[Hidden in reply to Angie06]

Try not to be frightened-easier said than done- will be back in full swing in a few days and share all. The Watchman was easy; the Flu is a B---H. (LOL) Just a quick thought on the Watchman never even needed any pain meds post op. And I am a BABY withpain.

[Angie06 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Irina I'm a baby too but more worried about what could go wrong during the procedure .

[dave205]

PREVAIL (Trial) had a device-related complication rate of 4.4 percent, cutting the original trial's rate by nearly half. The implant success rate overall rose to 95 percent.

dicardiology.com/article/fd...

[wilsond in reply to dave205]

Thank you dave205

[Hidden in reply to wilsond]

Hi wilsond BTW I was told that about 90% of afib clots form in the appendage closed off by the Watchman, For me I am happy with those odds. Take care irina1975

[BobD Volunteer]

Since this is a UK based forum it is important to point out LAAO (Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion) is not currently available under NHS here in UK except in some very rare circumstances .

[wilsond]

Thank you Bob

[seasider18]

Latest report from the Royal Bromton

heartofaf.org/sites/default...

[wilsond in reply to seasider18]

Thank you seasider,very comprehensive and interesting.Hope we get the chance to have one one day!

[seasider18 in reply to wilsond]

I had the Amplatzer amulet fitted privately last April after failing to get it done on the trials they were doing in 2016. I chose the Amplatzer as it has a bigger range of sizes and unlike the Watchman where they seem to want you on Warfarin for six months afterwards I only had to take Clopidogrel/Plavix for a month and aspirin for six months. I had an echocardiogram a month later to confirm it was well seated. The professor who did it said there is no need for a TOE afterwards as that would be cruel

The Amplatzer was a lot cheaper than the quotes I had for a Watchman at London Bridge Hospital and the Harley Street Clinic in 2015.

As the NHS EP I see said recently, There's no chance of you having a stroke now. I had refused NOAC's as I have a tissue aortic valve and the manufacturers all say that they are contra indicated though cardiologists say they can rule otherwise. Over the years since my aortic valve was replaced in 2011 I had only taken Warfarin when waiting for cardioversions and in the year when I was hoping to get on the Amplatzer trial as Warfarin gave me joint pains.

.

[wilsond in reply to seasider18]

Thank you for this,I paid privately to see the EP and Lead for Arythmias at Walsgrave University hospital,and see him again esr!y April after echo etc,to discuss ablation .I want to discuss the option of these devices,mother,granma,father and paternal grandad all died from strokes,2 of them had AF.......How do I find out more details such as cost,please? Thank you for your time and useful information

[seasider18 in reply to wilsond]

Cost seems to vary from location to location. When I asked London Bridge and Harley street about Watchman they were about £15K in total including consultations. My Amplatzter was around £9800 + initial consultation and Echocardiogram at £260 each. All you can do is find who is doing them in your area and E-Mail them.

Your EP should be able to advise you.

[wilsond in reply to seasider18]

Thank you again

[johnMiosh]

I had a similar device fitted, an Atriclip, in April last year as part of a minimaze ablation. Although this was on the NHS, it was part of a clinical trial sponsored by the manufacturers of the Atriclip. This was followed by a catheter ablation in October and allowed me to come off all meds in November (My CHADS VASC score was zero anyway). I am scheduled for a TOE in April, to check everything inside is OK.

[seasider18 in reply to johnMiosh]

The company who make the Artclip are getting a lot of publicity in the American financial press as closing the LAA is considered a huge growth market.

atricure.com/download-asset...

BMJ article on LAA

atricure.com/download-asset...

[wilsond in reply to johnMiosh]

Thank you very much for this,Ishall make enquiries