Watchman Device

[Cookie24]

I had my third ablation on August 4, 2022, with the left atrial appendage isolated. EP recommends a Watchman device because the clotting risk is now increased. I have been taking Eliquis since my diagnosis. I would like to hear from anyone who has had the LAA isolation and if a Watchman device was placed or not. Please tell me about your experiences. Jill

[mjames1]

Above my pay grade, but I thought LAA isolation allowed you to get off thinners like Eliquis. Is it because the third ablation changed things? But even so, wouldn't Eliquis protect you, or are you trying to get off of it? I'd study up a bit on Watchman a bit before deciding and also consider getting a second opinion.

Jim

[BobD Volunteer]

I'm sort of reading between the lines here as your post is far from clear. Are you saying that you had a watchman fitted to isolate the LAA and want to compare notes with others or is this something that may happen in the future.? Like Jim I don't understand why there is increased risk of stroke from any of these procedures if yes and puzzled by what you say about not being able to stop anticoagulant. This is the prime reason for most people wanting LAAO devices.

Watchman is not generally available under NHS here in UK so you will need US based members to comment on their experiences.

[Squaresloane in reply to BobD]

Following a bleed, I am now off Rivaroxaban after 11 years and have had Amplatzer Amulet device fitted to occlude LAA. Procedure was painless with overnight stay in hospital. Epithelium has yet to complete the occlusion process - review due later this year with an oesophageal ultrasound. The device is similar to the Watchman device - criteria for use in NHS patients can be found on the NICE website.

[Poochmom]

I had my LAA isolated during a surgical ablation, but not with a Watchman. I had the Atriclip which reduces stroke risk by 97% compared to anticoagulants at 60%. I have been off anticoagulants since my surgery 6 months ago. If you did not have the watchman and have had you LAA isolated what was used to isolate it?

[Bahman]

I had the Watchman device implant last July under NHS at royal Brompton Hospital . It is a day surgery under general . I am due to go in this Feb. to check the device is covered by epithelium ( heart skin) before getting the ok to come off the Apixaban . Normally you can get the ok to come off the blood thinners within 3-4 month but this may have something to do with the backlog at NHS.

Please let me know if I can be of further help ?

[champdoberman]

16 months after install, my watchman started leaking. I had an eye stroke because of it. Cardiologist wanted to implant pace maker; I changed cardiologist and am back on zarelto, for the rest of my life.