Latest Findings on Watchman Device vs. Oral Anti-Coagulant Therapy

Excellent video explaining the benefits of the watchman and who it is best suited for.

All I can say, is that I have had a significant number of falls, due to Parkinson’s, severe arthritis, balance issues from previous strokes, etc., so I had The Watchman implant and everything went smoothly, and I’m very pleased that I can go off blood thinners! Over the years, I have had several concussions from falls, so The Watchman is a lifesaver for me! I’m almost 80 years old!

@foundryrat743 I am always glad to see personal stories of success, no matter on which side of the debate the person replying falls. That's what matters most, that doctors, smart people, help their patients find something they can live with, or tolerate, and that does a reasonably good job, a reliable job, of keeping the unwanted effects away. I am neutral on this seemingly never-ending juxtaposition of one thing or another that seems to happen all over the internet, unless the evidence for one side is overwhelming. The Watchman has doubtlessly saved many, many lives, and it does so silently, invisibly, and reliably, year after year. When it isn't a good fit, and this video suggests that it isn't a good fit, literally, for some atrial appendages, then the risks of anti-coagulation are about all that is left if we cant to reduce the risk of stroke in fibrillating patients to something more 'natural' for their age.

@gloaming I would agree with your comments. My philosophical attitude towards medical issues, is very similar to yours! My emphasis here is that, in spite of having multiple medical ailments, of serious concerns ( history of 2 strokes, history of Grand Mal seizure, Parkinson’s Disease for 10 years, Common Variable Immune Deficiency disease, fatty liver disease, history of Pancreatitis, and Atrial Fibrillation), all point toward NOT getting the ‘Watchman’ implant, according to the advice given in this video’s analysis! The implication of a person of my age, with a history of major medical conditions, not going ahead with getting the ‘Watchman’, in my opinion, may not always be good advice! I am proof that the ‘Watchman’ was installed perfectly, with no problems, or complications, in spite of my age, of nearly 80, and my long history of medical disorders! In fact, when my Cardiologist/Electrophysiologist was discussing the implant with me, he said that I was the perfect candidate for the implant! He stated that MY HEART was in great shape, for a person my age, after an ultrasound! So you see, Ms. Gloaming, the condition of one’s heart is a primary factor and consideration, in regards to candidacy for the ‘Watchman’ implant! After the implant procedure was completed, and my Electrophysiologist came to see me, in my private hospital room, with a beautiful Panoramic view, of the city where I live, on the 10th floor of the Heart Center building, of the hospital complex, he told me that the ‘Watchman’ was a perfect fit, blocking the appendage, and that the procedure, including anesthesia, went well, with NO problems! My six week or so, trans esophageal imaging follow up, revealed there was no leakage, and no blood clots could form, from around the implant! It remained securely in place! My viewpoint, concerning this video, is that each person/patient, candidate, needs to be fully evaluated by the Cardiologists, and Electrophysiologists, where the procedure would be performed, to get their professional, medical opinion, on whether that particular person would be a good candidate for the ‘Watchman’ or not! Cardiologists examination of the total patient’s history and current health, including satisfactory vital statistics, must remain the main factor, along with the collaboration of patient/provider protocols, regarding the important decision, of going ahead with a ‘Watchman’ implant, in my opinion! Those evaluated factors, would determine the potential success of ‘Watchman’ working well for a patient!

Informative video, although it left me wondering about its agenda. I'm still on the fence about getting a Watchman. I was approved by my EP based on my active lifestyle, which puts me at a risk for bleeding. Currently on Xarelto, which I tolerate well...no bruising, gums don't bleed and able to stop bleeding of minor cuts and scrapes. I had the CT scan, which showed a 'chicken-wing' LAP, which is supposed to be compatible with the Watchman. Two issues give me pause: The long term consequences of Xarelto and the risks of the Watchman procedure. It's also possible that I will still need to be on Xarelto permanently even with a successful Watchman implant. My profile provides a snapshot of my Afib journey.

Looks like recent events may influence my decision about getting the Watchman. This past Sunday I took nasty fall from a ladder that required five stitches on my forehead and two on my shin, plus a deep bruise on my left bicep. There was lots of blood, but fortunately, CT scans did not reveal any brain bleeding, but the bruising is severe. I have two very black eyes and my arm is bruised/puffy with accumulating blood all the way from my bicep to my wrist. Not pretty. Cardiologist said not to discontinue Xarelto even though it will slow down the healing process. So while I seem to tolerate the Xarelto ok, I think my lifestyle puts me at an unacceptable bleed risk: home maintenance, wood working, bicycle riding, skiing, hiking, etc. I'm just not ready to go through life in a bubblewrap cocoon.