Search results
The WATCHMAN procedure is a dependable and effective method to decrease stroke likelihood, especially in individuals unsuited for long-term blood thinning medication. The WATCHMAN procedure has been FDA approved since 2015, and over 300,000 implants have been performed worldwide. The WATCHMAN Procedure Step-by-Step
The WATCHMAN and WATCHMAN FLX Devices are permanent implants designed to close the left atrial appendage in the heart in an effort to reduce the risk of stroke. With all medical procedures there are risks associated with the implant procedure and the use of the device.
The Watchman FLX is designed to treat the widest range of patient anatomies, as shown below: How the Watchman FLX Device Works. The Watchman FLX device is inserted over a catheter through a recipient’s vein accessed through the groin.
The WATCHMAN Implant is placed into your heart in a one-time procedure. It’s a permanent implant that doesn’t have to be replaced and can’t be seen outside the body. After you receive your WATCHMAN Implant, you will recover in the hospital, typically for a day or less. The procedure is generally done under general anesthesia.
Risks of Left Atrial Appendage Closure. Blood thinners and left atrial appendage closure can reduce your risk of stroke, but they don’t eliminate it. Other health conditions can cause a stroke, like high blood pressure or narrowed blood vessels. During the Watchman FLX and Amplatzer Amulet clinical trials, a small percentage of people had:
WATCHMAN-covered lives: ~120 million. ~120 million patients covered through Medicare and commercial insurers. See cost information. WATCHMAN FLX Device Brief Summary. USA. WATCHMAN is covered nationally for a broad range of patients by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and an ever-increasing number of commercial insurers.
To implant WATCHMAN, your doctor makes a small cut in your upper leg and inserts a narrow tube, as done in a standard stent procedure. Your doctor then guides WATCHMAN into the left atrial appendage (LAA) of your heart. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. Patients commonly stay in the hospital overnight and ...
