watchman

[Gracey23]

My EP recommended I think about getting the watchman device . I’m currently on Eliquis and have had no problems with it. His thoughts are as I’m getting older the falling risk increases as is the risk of breaking a hip. He explained that the device is safer than risking a major bleed in the event of a fall . Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

[10gingercats]

Never heard of this advice from an EP. I would get a second opinion .

[mjames1]

Ep has a good point, but remember that Watchman requires daily low dose aspirin for life, which some may not tolerate.

Jim

[Pjt55 in reply to mjames1]

I was told to NOT take aspirin for ever. I had to take daily dose aspirin for only 6 months . I had the watchman implanted 3 years ago this coming November. I was on aspirin till the following March. It was the best decision I ever made. I have so many other health issues that I needed to be off of blood thinners. I had it done in the USA almost 3 years ago. I have heard newer versions of the watchman implants are now available. Best thing I ever did but everyone is an individual.

[mjames1 in reply to Pjt55]

This is at least the US protocol. Maybe different in the UK, or perhaps your doctor tailored your after treatment to your individual situation.

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"Warfarin and aspirin are given for 45 days after implantation. If TEE at 45 days shows minimal residual peri-device flow (≤ 5mm) and no device-related thrombus, warfarin is stopped. This is followed by aspirin and clopidogrel for six months, then aspirin indefinitely. "

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[CDreamer]

I have osteoporosis as probably many post menopausal women on this site so the risk of falls and breaking a bone is high. The advice is for osteoporosis is to exercise so that you decrease your risk of falls. Age is not a reason in my opinion, it’s how fit and able you are and from what I read about Watchman and it’s efficacy and being able to stop anticoagulants is not what was hoped and doesn’t always work.

I to have never heard that advice from an EP so agree - get a second opinion. However, I would say that there may well be a difference in advice US/UK based EPs so bear that in mind. Watchman procedures are very rare in UK on the NHS and only available to people who really cannot tolerate anticoagulants. We Brits tend to be a tad suspicious of advice from US EPs I’m afraid, probably because we wonder about the practitioner wanting to do procedures based on patient ability to pay rather than need. That may of course be totally incorrect in this case but how do you feel about it? What do you know about the procedure - both the pros and the cons?

I think it is a personal choice but make your choice based all the information you can get hold of.

[Gracey23 in reply to CDreamer]

thank you for your thoughtful response. I’ve known my EP for many years and he witnessed a bad fall I had a year ago. I believe he’s giving me the option to get the device purely has an option. His words today were, think about it and if you decide please do it before you’re 95. I of course will do my research before deciding to get the device. I greatly appreciate your thoughtful words and knowledge.

[Cat04]

Because I was having OHS, I had an Atriclip fitted rather than the catheter positioned Watchman device but I believe they both have the same aim to prevent stroke-causing clots leaving the left atrial appendage. Having seen my mother suffer a devastating stroke that ultimately took her life, anything that helps prevent this a good idea in my mind.

[JefferyW]

Hi Gracey23

I had a Watchman device fitted last November as part of a trial which is being carried out in the US UK and Europe to look at its efficacy compared to longterm anticoagulants- Apixaban. I have had two ablations for atrial fibrillation and am 71.

The trial here in the UK is being carried out at Oxford University Hospital John Radcliffe Coronary Research unit and will monitor me over the next 5 years. I now take low dose gastro resistant Aspirin and will continue this until November.

The procedure was straightforward - similar to having a stent fitted and although similar to ablation in terms of procedure it took only 30mins. Recovery was very quick - just a few days. I had a trans-oesophageal echocardiogram 4 months afterwards to check it was seated properly and everyone - not least me - was pleased all was well.

For my part coming off anticoagulants was the main driver for this decision as I believe the indication so far is that Watchman is as good as Apixaban at reducing stroke risk and the risk of a serious bleed from a fall was thereby significantly reduced.

My only advice would be to discuss this further with your EP/Cardiologist and make an informed decision. None of these procedures are without a modicum of risk but so is the risk of a bleed on anticoagulants.

For me I think on balance I made the right choice but only time will tell.

Good luck and best wishes to you

Jeff

[Pjt55]

I got the watchman 3 years ago and was the best decision ever made. I didn't have any problems with eliquis yet as I developed a few other issues as I am getting older, I am so relieved I made the decision to get the watchman. And I heard there is a newer version since I had it. Definitely would do it again.

[Redmakesmehappy]

I asked my cardiologist last visit about a Watchman, he asked,are you having bleeding problems? I answered no, he then told me. He would never recommend as there was always risk so guess I am stuck with buying the overpriced Eliquis for rest of my life.

[mjames1 in reply to Redmakesmehappy]

At least here in the US, some AC's are less expensive than others. Have you priced out alternatives?

Jim

[Herbalgal]

If you think you might ever get a minimaze procedure, I am told by Dr. Wolf that he cannot perform the minimaze after a watchman device has been implanted. The same is true for atrial appendage clip.

[Gracey23 in reply to Herbalgal]

thanks for the info. I don’t expect to ever have a mini maze as I’ve already had a pacemaker implanted and an av node ablation. I’m totally symptom free of AFib and off meds except Eliquis

[BabsJ]

I've never heard of a watchman device here in the UK. As you said do more research especially as it seems quite new. I've been on Eliquis for quite a few years without any orioles too