Ablation plus Watchman to be successful???

Posted by 0ldbernie @0ldbernie, May 15 2:18pm

Persistent AFIB diagnosed March 2025. Ablation plus Watchman procedure scheduled May 27. Naturally hoping for success. What has been your experience?
Since I pay $635 per 30 days for eliquis, I am looking forward to the savings. Will be off eliquis in July if all goes well.

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daphne17 | @daphne17 | May 17 7:31pm

Is there a specific reason they want to give you a Watchman? Mine was suggested because I had an internal bleeding issue due to ulcers. I haven't done it yet because everything is currently under control.

gerald55 | @gerald55 | May 19 2:55am

Wishing you all the best on your upcoming procedure! I had an ablation and Watchman done back in 2023, and I’ve been off Eliquis for over a year now. It was life-changing not just financially, but also for peace of mind. Make sure to follow all post-procedure care instructions closely—it really helped with my recovery.

0ldbernie | @0ldbernie | May 19 7:44am

In reply to @daphne17 "Is there a specific reason they want to give you a Watchman? Mine was suggested because..." + (show)

The watchman gets my stroke risk down to normal so I can stop eliquis. And I am already under procedure risk having the ablation.

0ldbernie | @0ldbernie | May 28 2:11pm

Update:
Just home from apparently successful ablation yesterday.
Unfortunately in my 2004 mitral valve surgery my left atrial appendage was closed with a staple. Inspection yesterday showed the surgical closure was incomplete and a watchman could not fix. So I am apparently a lifelong blood thinner customer now.

saganjames | @saganjames | May 29 5:39am

Good day Oldbernie,
May I ask if you can be more descriptive where you said, your "LAA was closed with a staple" ? Was the staple an atriclip? I may have a helpful suggestion, hope so.
Regards,
Sagan

0ldbernie | @0ldbernie | May 29 6:47am

In reply to @saganjames "Good day Oldbernie, May I ask if you can be more descriptive where you said, your..." + (show)

Done in 2004 with a TA-30 stapler. I am surprised that the heart tissue did not grow around the staple in the same way the Watchman closure works.

saganjames | @saganjames | May 29 10:39am

I don't know if you are up to it for a host of considerations of course, but in case you want to look into a possible fix, or an AtriClip device, a fabric-coated metal clip used to close off the left atrial appendage, below is contact information for a great cardiac surgeon in Raleigh, NC.

You can contact his office to set up a consultation online, or a visit. Dr. Bryon Boulton is Director of the WakeMed Structural Heart Program at WakeMed in Raleigh, NC. Phone (919) 231-6333.

Dr. Boulton repaired my mitral valve, did the LAAC with the AtriClip, and did my ablation. That was 3 years ago. I am as fine as wine and off all meds at 81 years old. Fixing the heart is as much an art as a science, so we must find the heart surgeon who is best at both.

I know it's a big decision, but I felt duty bound to offer this information.
Regards,
Sagan

0ldbernie | @0ldbernie | May 29 6:30pm

Thanks for the info. If the AtriClip requires open surgery , is a no go. I am probably 4-5 years away from an aortic valve repair so maybe then. I will ask my EP at the next appointment.

importantmmatters768 | @importantmmatters768 | May 30 12:40pm

In reply to @saganjames "Good day Oldbernie, May I ask if you can be more descriptive where you said, your..." + (show)

I really don't know as I have not had a return visit yet.

importantmmatters768 | @importantmmatters768 | May 30 12:44pm

In reply to @saganjames "I don't know if you are up to it for a host of considerations of course,..." + (show)

I had the watchman put in on February 25, 2025 and have had no problems I feel great at76 and would highly recommend it.

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