Any experiences with Watchman Implant for A-Fib?

Posted by Tresjur @tresjur, Oct 5, 2017

I've been living with A-Fib for close to 20 years now. I took warfarin for 14 of those years and then switched to Pradaxa. After being on Pradaxa for 8 months, I started having GI bleeds and over the course of 14 months I had 8 blood transfusions. After ending up with a hemogloblin count of 5 and
an INR of 9, I ended up in ICU. After my release, and lengthy discussions with my cardiologist, we decided that my body could no longer tolerate the
blood thinners. For three years I went without any A-fib treatment and a year ago I started taking a full dose aspirin daily.

Early this summer I saw the TV ads for the Watchman, for people who cannot take blood thinners. It's an jellyfish looking implant that is inserted in the
left atrial appendage of the heart. After implantation, heart tissue will grow over the device and provide blockage of clots that could travel to the brain.
I had the implantation done on September 13th, which requires an overnight stay in the hospital, and will be on Eliquis and an aspirin for about 45 days, then I will just take an aspirin daily for the rest of my life.

From reading the pros and cons of this device, it is my understanding that it does not work any better than blood thinners, but is an option for those who
cannot take the thinners. My first visit with the electrophysiologist is 2 weeks from today and at the end of October, I will undergo another TEE to determine
if all is working well.

I lived the 3 plus years not being on blood thinners with the though of stroke in the back of my mind. Even though I realize that nothing is 100% guaranteed or successful, I do have some relief now that I am again under treatment.

I'm posting this experience and wondering if anyone else has undergone this procedure and may be further along in their journey. It has been only 22 days
since my implant. I'm doing well so far and have not had a problem with the Eliquis so far.

Regards,
Mary

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mannism | @mannism | Mar 4 6:39am

I had The Amulet implanted on February 13 and am looking forward to no blood thinners in my future. Eliquis is an allergen for me. The dose was reduced last year to no avail and I had 15 side effects before this procedure affecting my skin, my eyes and my GI system. My EP cardiologist worked on The Watchman when it was introduced and was able to find the proper device for me. The Amulet was a better fit for my anatomy. Until it is confirmed that the device is healed, I am taking Plavix and aspirin. I have chronic AFib, thanks to a PCP who gave me an overdose of pure T4.

daphne17 | @daphne17 | Mar 7 1:24pm

The Watchman has been recommended to me. I had a GI bleed last year with hemoglobin of 6 and I required a blood transfusion. The goal is to get off blood thinners like you say.
My concern is having to take aspirin after the implant. I always thought aspirin was a blood thinner and have stayed away from it for years. However, the last Electrophysiologist I saw told me that it is safer than Eliquis so if I have another GI bleeding episode, I will probably go ahead with the procedure. Any thoughts on this?

John | @johnnoregon | Mar 8 8:52am

My Watchman was inserted on Nov 22. I've had no issues whatsoever. I can't take thinners. I had a thinner-induced stroke in 2020, so thinners are out for me. I've had chronic Afib since 2002. I have enough confidence now to feel that clot risk has fallen to acceptable levels via the Watchman.

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