Any experiences with Watchman Implant for A-Fib?

Posted by Tresjur @tresjur, Oct 5, 2017

I've been living with A-Fib for close to 20 years now. I took warfarin for 14 of those years and then switched to Pradaxa. After being on Pradaxa for 8 months, I started having GI bleeds and over the course of 14 months I had 8 blood transfusions. After ending up with a hemogloblin count of 5 and
an INR of 9, I ended up in ICU. After my release, and lengthy discussions with my cardiologist, we decided that my body could no longer tolerate the
blood thinners. For three years I went without any A-fib treatment and a year ago I started taking a full dose aspirin daily.

Early this summer I saw the TV ads for the Watchman, for people who cannot take blood thinners. It's an jellyfish looking implant that is inserted in the
left atrial appendage of the heart. After implantation, heart tissue will grow over the device and provide blockage of clots that could travel to the brain.
I had the implantation done on September 13th, which requires an overnight stay in the hospital, and will be on Eliquis and an aspirin for about 45 days, then I will just take an aspirin daily for the rest of my life.

From reading the pros and cons of this device, it is my understanding that it does not work any better than blood thinners, but is an option for those who
cannot take the thinners. My first visit with the electrophysiologist is 2 weeks from today and at the end of October, I will undergo another TEE to determine
if all is working well.

I lived the 3 plus years not being on blood thinners with the though of stroke in the back of my mind. Even though I realize that nothing is 100% guaranteed or successful, I do have some relief now that I am again under treatment.

I'm posting this experience and wondering if anyone else has undergone this procedure and may be further along in their journey. It has been only 22 days
since my implant. I'm doing well so far and have not had a problem with the Eliquis so far.

Regards,
Mary

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

soph | @soph | Dec 13, 2019

Wow! Some story! Bravo!

starfirey2k | @starfirey2k | Dec 13, 2019

Just a FYI, I see the mention in most all conversations here the loose term that " the watchman prevents blood clots" which is true, however IT DOES NOT HELP OR PREVENT BLOOD CLOTS IN THE REST OF YOUR BODY, ONLY IN YOUR HEART. just something to think about.

starfirey2k | @starfirey2k | Dec 13, 2019

now on the other hand, an aspirin will have an effect on the entire body

1943 | @1943 | Dec 13, 2019

In reply to @starfirey2k "Just a FYI, I see the mention in most all conversations here the loose term that..." + (show)

True. The watchman has helped me as I was having bleeds from the blood thinners.

ronva2co | @ronva2co | Dec 13, 2019

In reply to @1943 "Watchman does not stop afib. Just prevents stroke without taking blood thinners other than a baby..." + (show)

I'll be taking one baby aspirin daily plus one Plavix daily.

Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Dec 13, 2019

Hi @afrobin

Without treatment for the fast rate in AFib, the ability to be physically active is very much reduced and the heart muscle can get damaged over time. The main goal of moderate exercise in AFib patients is slowing down the heart. However, strenuous exercise has been shown to be a leading trigger for an afib attack.

For some people, AFib is an occasional problem, (paroxysmal AFib), and the heart can go back to a normal rhythm on its own or with medications. For others, AFib is permanent – once their heart is in AFib, it stays in AFib. But the most important factor, for AFib patients, is to understand the risk of stroke.
Therefore, it is very important to work with your healthcare provider to determine your treatment needs, and to understand your treatment options. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation/why-atrial-fibrillation-af-or-afib-matters

ronva2co | @ronva2co | Dec 19, 2019

In reply to @kibwezi "/Why does Xarelto make you cringe. I thought Warfarin had the same cons." + (show)

The cost of Xarelto makes me cringe. I've been on Warafin for about 3 years now. Implanted Watchman October 14th, 2019.

jimbotch | @jimbotch | Dec 19, 2019

In reply to @ronva2co "The cost of Xarelto makes me cringe. I've been on Warafin for about 3 years now...." + (show)

How is the Watchman working out?

odaleberg | @odaleberg | Dec 11, 2020

Just wanting to chat with someone that has had the Watchman installed in there heart. Just wondering how it has work out and if you get off the blood thinner medicine.

Please reply and let me know.

Thank you.
Dale

Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Dec 11, 2020

In reply to @odaleberg "Just wanting to chat with someone that has had the Watchman installed in there heart. Just..." + (show)

Hi @odaleberg, I would like to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. In November, @shedwina was considering having the watchman procedure. @bbeebe1943 also had the same question regarding people who had the watchman implant, so I wanted to invite them to this post and @jstoll 's son had a watchman implanted.

I also have an article by Mayo Clinic about Stroke reduction in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation with the left atrial appendage closure device.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/cardiovascular-diseases/news/stroke-reduction-in-nonvalvular-atrial-fibrillation-with-the-left-atrial-appendage-closure-device-an-update/mac-20431149
@odaleberg, Can you tell us a little more about your situation?

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