No Watchman fitted, disappointing.

[Pammy59]

Hi I can’t deny I was disappointed. I came round from the general anaesthetic to be told I was not selected for the Watchman device and that I will be in the Control group. The upside I suppose, is that I have no foreign object in my body and I will still be closely monitored alongside the two who was selected. Plus at least it will help others who is in more need than me. I do feel better today. My cardiologist did say that my arteries are clear and my heart is in good no signs of any clots. Just keep taking the Amlodipine and Flecainide. So all good!

[BobD Volunteer]

I guess that is the problem with trials but at least you KNOW the result rather than taking a pill which may or may not be placebo. Hope all goes well for you now.

[Pammy59 in reply to BobD]

Yes your right there no placebo the result is immediate. That is good! Positive thinking!

[seasider18]

Why were you given a general anaesthetic when they did not fit the device ?

[Pammy59 in reply to seasider18]

So I understand It was so they could do the tansoesophageal echo (TOE). Then if you’re selected (which is done by computer selection at the time) the Watchman device is put in.

[doodle68 in reply to Pammy59]

Hi Pammy what a disappointment, I am sorry to hear this. Very brave of you to take part. I wouldn't want to go through the stress of getting prepared to have an operation and to be given a general anaesthetic to come round and find there is no result

[Pammy59 in reply to doodle68]

Hi doodle68, yes it was disappointing, I am not sure I would do it again. Although they did make it clear that I might not get the device. The trail is so we can get this procedure on the NHS, because the budget was cut twelve months ago. So hopefully by me taking part I have helped toward the funding. The only other way to get the Watchman in the Uk at the moment is by Private surgery.

[seasider18 in reply to Pammy59]

The Watchman has been around for so long now I can't understand why they are doing trials unless it practice for doctors at a new location.

I tried to get on the UK trials in 2016 for the Amplatzer amulet but did not even get as far as you. I ended up getting it done privately last year.

Even although my consultant had done over a 100 of the procedures a representative from the makers was there as an observer.

[Pammy59 in reply to seasider18]

Hi seasider18, No the NHS has cut the budget for the Watchman device, so the five year trail is to get the funding reinstated. The only alternative is to go private and that is not an option for me. Since my stroke I am unable to work full time.

[seasider18 in reply to Pammy59]

Are there trials at any other locations? With the Amplatzer they had them at ten locations.

Last year my consultant said that I was a two year cost saving moratorium that has evidently been extended.