Questions on The Watchman.

[Snowgirl65]

After reading my EP's notes after my recent visit with him, he wrote that if I have no a-fib episodes by the time of my next visit in April, and in his quest to take me off all heart drugs, he'll be entering me in the Champion Trials for having a Watchman procedure. For those not familiar, it's a device implanted near the heart to prevent stroke as an alternative to taking anticoagulants (I take Xarelto). I don't know if this procedure is common in the UK. Does anyone on the forum have the Watchman? Any comments and opinions on it would be appreciated.

[BobD Volunteer]

Watchman is placed in the entrance to the left atrial appendage (LAA) which is off the left atrium. It is rarely used here in UK and Europe but occasionally for people who really can't take anaticoagulants.

[Snowgirl65 in reply to BobD]

Thanks for the info, Bob. It's strange my EP is considering me for one since I have no problems taking Xarelto. I hope some US forum members who have the device will response as to their opinions.

[mav7]

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

Previous threads on the subject.

[Snowgirl65 in reply to mav7]

Thanks, mav7.

[mjames1]

I would read up as much as you can about the Watchman. Just because your doctor wants to put you in trial doesn't mean it's necessarily in your best interest. From what I've ead, the Champions trial will be a big global trial. So one alternative is to wait to see what the results are instead of being part of the study. Watchman is offered here in the States, but I'm not 100% sold on it yet. Good luck whatever your decision is.

[Snowgirl65 in reply to mjames1]

Thanks for responding -- I'm definitely not going to rush into it!

[Jancam1 in reply to mjames1]

I have had the watchman for several years best decision I ever made. Don t have to take any blood thinners.

[Snowgirl65 in reply to Jancam1]

Thanks for your response. It's good to know you feel so positive about it; I'll add it to my pros and cons list.

[Jajarunner]

I don't think it is widely used mainly for those who cannot tolerate anticoagulant. As usual women have more complications than men, there are some studies on the internet looking at its use.

[Snowgirl65 in reply to Jajarunner]

Thanks, Jararunner.

[2018NSR]

The watchman is implanted at the opening of the left atrial appendage to stop a clot from forming. You will need to take warfarin and plavix for 6 weeks after and then they will do a TEE to make sure the tissues have totally sealed around it. If successful you will get off xarelto but will need to take aspirin for life. As we age aspirin can cause gastric bleeds. Also it does not do anything to treat afib. I wasn’t sold on the watchman procedure. I think it is an option for those who cannot take a blood thinner but again aspirin is required after for life. I had a Wolf mini maze and had my LAA clamped so no meds are needed after and stroke reduced to 97%. Plus I don’t have afib anymore going on 4 years now. There are other ways to occlude the LAA other than watchman. Please study the procedure prior to agreeing to one. One must always weigh benefits against risks and you may feel it is an option for you.

[Snowgirl65 in reply to 2018NSR]

I appreciate your response. I'll definitely be reading up and investigating -- I'm not sold on it, but will listen to what my EP says at my next visit.

[FootDr]

I will be getting my Watchman March 3rd, 2022. Hopefully three months after that I will be off all anticoagulants.

[Snowgirl65 in reply to FootDr]

I hope everything works out well for you. Could you please keep us updated?