@abob Eloquis blood thinner was prescribed because of my atrial fibrillation diagnosis. A recent MRI revealed that I’ve had a couple small vessel strokes, so Eloquis was chosen to prepare me for ‘The Watchman’ heart implant, which is a titanium alloy balloon device, planted in a heart appendage, that is known to make clot formations. and may have caused one or both of my previous strokes! I had ‘The Watchman’ implant, about 2 weeks ago, and will be able to go off Eloquis, soon. Then, Plavix will be prescribed for 6 months, and then only 1 baby aspirin the rest of my life! In my case, I have had numerous falls, because of Parkinson’s Disease, and an immune disorder, which translates into going off blood thinners!

@abob A Watchman shown to be leak-free at the one-year mark after insertion is generally when they agree that you can discontinue taking a DOAC like apixaban and rivaroxaban. However, it really depends on one's overall health and whether there are other risks for stroke. Those with diabetes or metabolic syndrome, those with COPD or other lung inflammatory diseases, those with valvular problems in their heart, or who have other autoimmunity might be wiser to continue on a DOAC for the rest of their lives, but on the advice of a qualified physician either way, stop or continue.

The DOACs always have a risk of a major bleed, whereas a fully sealed Watchman doesn't have that worry. Further, if it isn't leaking, you can stop the DOAC on doctor's okay. Less cost, much less risk of a stroke from cardiac arrhythmia, and life goes on.