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re: you comment that "My reasoning for not doing cauterization is because it is irreversible, i.e. once the heart tissue is burnt or killed, it will never grow back."
This is from email from the company that makes (and aggressively markets) the Watchman:
The WATCHMAN FLX and WATCHMAN FLX Pro 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 risks include, but are not limited to, accidental puncture of the heart causing fluid to collect around the heart possibly leading towards the need for an additional procedure, allergic reaction, anesthesia risks, altered mental status or confusion after procedure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), bleeding or throat pain from the TEE (Trans Esophageal Echo) probe, chest pain/discomfort, congestive heart failure, renal failure, excessive bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, groin puncture bleed, bruising at the catheter insertion site, groin pain, anemia (reduced red blood cells requiring transfusion), hypotension, infection/pneumonia (example: in or around your heart or lungs), misplacement of the device, improper seal of the appendage or movement of device from appendage wall, clot formation on the device, blood clot or air bubbles in the lungs or other organs, stroke, transient ischemic attack (temporary stroke-like symptoms), cranial bleed (bleeding in or around your brain), thrombosis (blockage of a blood vessel or vein by a clot) and in rare cases death can occur.
Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of the device. SH-2109508-AA
Replies to "@andrewc999 re: you comment that "My reasoning for not doing cauterization is because it is irreversible,..."
@earther I liked your comments. There are certainly dangers and side effects and risks with every surgical procedure and with every medication prescribed. It behooves all of us to ask questions, do research and pay attention to any changes in our bodies (and minds) as we deal with the many "treatment" options out there. Drug companies are known for promoting their latest and greatest "discoveries" but advancement doesn't happen without a certain amount of trials and willing subjects to be part of the research. Everyone has to weigh the risks with the benefits and make that decision for themselves. Listen to the ads on TV: lose weight, lower your A1C, improve your lifestyle and mobility--BUT all that comes with a cost and a risk and what they fail to tell you is that if you stop taking the drug, the weight comes back for many. There is no easy way to fix a lot of things but that doesn't mean that these drugs don't make life better for a lot of people either.
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@earther : I understood the risks associated with any procedure to the heart and the possible percentage of success rate. As I indicated I had it performed twice, once to deploy the watchman, another to install a device to seal the leakage by another surgeon. I guess I was pretty lucky that other than the normal effect of the surgeries, it appeared that I did not experience any other side effect. No issue during the surgeries. So now I am only taking baby aspirin (81mg) daily with no more blood thinner like Eliquis. I had an aneurysm in my brain caused by my first bleeding stroke which was also "fixed" with put coil in there. It was explained to me that most of the blood clots in AFIP individuals are caused in the appendage of the heart. I admit I was quite scare or anxious prior to the Watchman procedure in considering the pros and cons. I decided it was worth the risk for me and my wife (a retired RN) and I consider the side effect and danger of keep taking Eliquis. I appreciate you stating all the danger and side effect of the Watchman procedure. Your cardiologist may not recommend such procedure due to you condition. My procedures were completed in 2023. This is surely a very personal decision even if your cardiologist recommends it, one is good and successful is not necessarily good for the others.