1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

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

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phoenix1647 | @phoenix1647 | Jan 29, 2021
In reply to @phoenix1647 "I was to have a watchman device implanted on Dec 22.2020. The procedure was a failure..." + (show)
@phoenix1647

I was to have a watchman device implanted on Dec 22.2020. The procedure was a failure in that out of 3 devices, none would seal off the opening. Very disappointed in this. Surgeon said the rep from the makers told him they are coming out with newer devices that will be more flexable sometime in Feb, Mar, Apr timeframe. I am on the list to get one of those. The procedure itself was full of surprises for me. Please make sure you know what is going to happen in your procedure.

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UPDATE: I talked to the EP department today. My surgeon has only done a few of the Watchman Flex's and wants to do a few more before he tackles me. Seems like the hole in my LAA is odd shaped. He wants to get a little more experience before he does mine. So...it could be April or May (or later) before I can get my Watchman done. I guess I should be happy the surgeon doesn't want to go into my situation blind. I will post more as soon as I get more info.

REPLY
phoenix1647 | @phoenix1647 | Feb 2, 2021
In reply to @phoenix1647 "I was to have a watchman device implanted on Dec 22.2020. The procedure was a failure..." + (show)
@phoenix1647

I was to have a watchman device implanted on Dec 22.2020. The procedure was a failure in that out of 3 devices, none would seal off the opening. Very disappointed in this. Surgeon said the rep from the makers told him they are coming out with newer devices that will be more flexable sometime in Feb, Mar, Apr timeframe. I am on the list to get one of those. The procedure itself was full of surprises for me. Please make sure you know what is going to happen in your procedure.

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WOW!!! I just got my bill for my failed Watchman procedure. So far, the bill is $177,361.52 and there could be more to come in. And to think I need to do this all over again.....So grateful I have good insurance. My co-pay as of right now is $0.00

REPLY
1 reply
starfirey2k | @starfirey2k | Feb 2, 2021
In reply to @phoenix1647 "WOW!!! I just got my bill for my failed Watchman procedure. So far, the bill is..." + (show)
@phoenix1647

WOW!!! I just got my bill for my failed Watchman procedure. So far, the bill is $177,361.52 and there could be more to come in. And to think I need to do this all over again.....So grateful I have good insurance. My co-pay as of right now is $0.00

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I just started to approach this device with the cardio doc who is a EP, and will see what it brings? I am wanting to get off the blood thinners, so I can take other types of meds as well. thanks and hope you get through this, feel better soon.

REPLY
1 reply
phoenix1647 | @phoenix1647 | Feb 3, 2021
In reply to @starfirey2k "I just started to approach this device with the cardio doc who is a EP, and..." + (show)
@starfirey2k

I just started to approach this device with the cardio doc who is a EP, and will see what it brings? I am wanting to get off the blood thinners, so I can take other types of meds as well. thanks and hope you get through this, feel better soon.

Jump to this post

I wish you well. The hole in my LAA is an odd shape and my EP is wanting to do a few more of the Watchman FLX before he does mine. For me, it is very frustrating. I am not one for sitting around and waiting. If it has to be done, let's get it over with. I can not take blood thinners due to my internal bleeding issues. If there is any way I can be of help just let me know. I think most hospitals have the same way of doing this procedure so you should be well prepared for what is going to happen. Go in with a clear mind, trust in your team and you will be OK. One step at a time. Please, keep us posted on your journey. Best of luck.

REPLY
phoenix1647 | @phoenix1647 | Feb 11, 2021
In reply to @phoenix1647 "I was to have a watchman device implanted on Dec 22.2020. The procedure was a failure..." + (show)
@phoenix1647

I was to have a watchman device implanted on Dec 22.2020. The procedure was a failure in that out of 3 devices, none would seal off the opening. Very disappointed in this. Surgeon said the rep from the makers told him they are coming out with newer devices that will be more flexable sometime in Feb, Mar, Apr timeframe. I am on the list to get one of those. The procedure itself was full of surprises for me. Please make sure you know what is going to happen in your procedure.

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Did a stress test today. I lasted a whole 10 minutes on the treadmill. The nurse promised me she was not going to make me run...then the machine decided I needed to run...I bailed off. A cardiologist came in and looked at the strip and stated he saw "some abnormalities" and made some comment about a drop in blood pressure. He took the strip and said he wants to study it a bit more and will make his report. So now, I am on a monitor for two weeks. Still waiting on the EP surgeon to decide what he wants to do about putting in the Watchman FLX. I hate waiting.

REPLY
cturner01 | @cturner01 | Feb 12, 2021
In reply to @phoenix1647 "I was to have a watchman device implanted on Dec 22.2020. The procedure was a failure..." + (show)
@phoenix1647

I was to have a watchman device implanted on Dec 22.2020. The procedure was a failure in that out of 3 devices, none would seal off the opening. Very disappointed in this. Surgeon said the rep from the makers told him they are coming out with newer devices that will be more flexable sometime in Feb, Mar, Apr timeframe. I am on the list to get one of those. The procedure itself was full of surprises for me. Please make sure you know what is going to happen in your procedure.

Jump to this post

The watchman is just to replace blood thinners, but dies not help AFIB, correct?

REPLY
Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Feb 12, 2021
In reply to @phoenix1647 "I was to have a watchman device implanted on Dec 22.2020. The procedure was a failure..." + (show)
@phoenix1647

I was to have a watchman device implanted on Dec 22.2020. The procedure was a failure in that out of 3 devices, none would seal off the opening. Very disappointed in this. Surgeon said the rep from the makers told him they are coming out with newer devices that will be more flexable sometime in Feb, Mar, Apr timeframe. I am on the list to get one of those. The procedure itself was full of surprises for me. Please make sure you know what is going to happen in your procedure.

Jump to this post

Hi @cturner01,
The watchman device is used to close off the heart’s left atrial appendage (LAA). It can be an alternative to blood thinners, but it's main function is to prevent blood clots from being thrown from the LAA that would cause a stroke in people with AFib. Overall it does not prevent AFib from happening.

Here is a good article that explains it in detail. https://www.umcvc.org/conditions-treatments/watchman-device-treating-atrial-fibrillation-afib

@cturner01, do you currently have AFib?

REPLY
2 replies
cturner01 | @cturner01 | Feb 12, 2021
In reply to @amandaa "Hi @cturner01, The watchman device is used to close off the heart’s left atrial appendage (LAA)...." + (show)
@amandaa

Hi @cturner01,
The watchman device is used to close off the heart’s left atrial appendage (LAA). It can be an alternative to blood thinners, but it's main function is to prevent blood clots from being thrown from the LAA that would cause a stroke in people with AFib. Overall it does not prevent AFib from happening.

Here is a good article that explains it in detail. https://www.umcvc.org/conditions-treatments/watchman-device-treating-atrial-fibrillation-afib

@cturner01, do you currently have AFib?

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Thank you for this information.

REPLY
Funcountess | @funcountess | Feb 13, 2021
In reply to @starfirey2k "All of the input here is very good to help as well with my decision to..." + (show)
@starfirey2k

All of the input here is very good to help as well with my decision to pursue the watchman device, thank you all.

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Just want to take a few minutes on ♥️ ❤️ 💜 heart group and others to wish everyone a HAPPY VALENTINES DAY.
DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS.
Funcountess

REPLY
cturner01 | @cturner01 | Feb 13, 2021
In reply to @amandaa "Hi @cturner01, The watchman device is used to close off the heart’s left atrial appendage (LAA)...." + (show)
@amandaa

Hi @cturner01,
The watchman device is used to close off the heart’s left atrial appendage (LAA). It can be an alternative to blood thinners, but it's main function is to prevent blood clots from being thrown from the LAA that would cause a stroke in people with AFib. Overall it does not prevent AFib from happening.

Here is a good article that explains it in detail. https://www.umcvc.org/conditions-treatments/watchman-device-treating-atrial-fibrillation-afib

@cturner01, do you currently have AFib?

Jump to this post

Yes - diagnosed as chronic or permanent.

REPLY
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