Watchman

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm caused by a disruption of electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heart, known as the atria. When the atria beat irregularly, it causes blood to pool, making it more likely for blood clots to form in the heart. In most cases, clots form in the left atrial appendage (LAA), which is a small, pouch-like sac in the top left chamber of the heart. If a clot forms, and is pumped out of the heart, it can cause a stroke.

Patients with atrial fibrillation may be placed on a blood thinner to reduce their risk of clots forming in the heart and reduce their risk of stroke. However, some patients cannot take a blood thinner and may benefit from a procedure to block the left atrial appendage. In this case, a Watchman device may be used.

The Watchman device is a permanent implant designed to close the left atrial appendage (LAA) to prevent clots from entering the bloodstream and reduce the risk of stroke. The Watchman is a parachute-shaped device that is implanted with a minimally invasive procedure. The device is inserted by a catheter (thin, hollow tube) into a vein in the groin. The device is then guided to the heart and opens like an umbrella to close the LAA. Once the device is in place, a thin layer of tissue grows over it in about 45 days. Patients may take a blood thinner for a period of time after the Watchman.