Mike, the Watchman should last forever. It’s anchored securely. I think Plavix isn’t as strong a drug as Eliquis & I wasn’t on it that long. The Watchman stops the blood from pooling in the left chamber so no clots form - a fib prevents your heart from pumping the blood strong enough & it collects there. I can’t tell it’s implanted - no feeling at all. The area felt like a bruise right after surgery last August, but nothing now. I don’t know who makes the device. For me it was outpatient & I was a little tired just for a few days afterward. I was even able to have total knee replacement surgery on 4/8/25 with no issues! Make sure your surgeon has experience in doing the procedure. Hope this helps in your decision.