Watchman device

[stopper]

What is the long term outlook for having a watchman fitted

[Hidden]

From what we are hearing in the UK, not very encouraging. Unless there is proven medical evidence which shows that a patient is unable to take an anticoagulant, the Watchman device is unlikely to be offered here. We also hear that there are trials in Australia and the device is used in the USA but of course, their funding arrangements are different.

[stopper in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the quick reply but do you know how the device performs if it is fitted, and of any problems afterwards.

[Hidden in reply to stopper]

The best thing to do is use Google. It is also known as the Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO). The device is used to isolate and seal the area in the heart where (but not all) blood clots tend to form and that is one of the difficulties. Because clots can still form elsewhere, the patient may still be vulnerable but to a much lower degree......

We are not medically trained which is why you should check with google.

[tooh]

Hi stopper. I live in Australia and i am having a Watchman device fitted tomorrow. I have been on Xarelto for about 9 months and had an ablation 2 months ago because of af. Unfortunately had an internal bleed before Christmas which qualified me for the watchman trial here. Hopefully can come off xarelto.

[walker66]

As a recipient of the Watchman device in the UK, nearly 5 years ago now, all I can say is that I have personally had no problems with it! I have had other major surgery last year and survived sepsis with no complications (or clots) and its 1 less tablet to take daily. I don't regret having the proceedure done at all.

[MarkS]

The device hasn't really been around long enough. However results seem mixed for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), see "Exploring the Dark Side of Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices":

medscape.com/viewarticle/89...

"Strokes From Clot on Watchman LAA Closure Device: Oral Anticoagulation Insights":

medscape.com/viewarticle/89...

Hopefully you can see these articles, otherwise you might need to google them.

[seasider18]

There is also the Amplatzer amulet (and others now ) that is similar but has a wider range of sizes, I had one fitted privately in the UK four years ago as I did not like Warfarin and NOACs are contra indicated with a tissue aortic valve. It cost just under £10K. but costs vary around the country. I had mine done in Brighton. Cost considerations are preventing it being a general NHS option

It is day surgery but I had an overnight stay as it was done in late afternoon and I came home on the train the next morning. At that time my surgeon had done 110 procedures. They all have different beliefs on after treatment I took clopidogrel (Plavix ) for a month and soluble aspirin for six months. He did an echocardiogram after six weeks to check that it was well seated,

[seasider18]

See this recent report

healthunlocked.com/heartrhy...