Sorry to hear that, I am doing some research now to see if this is something that i would want to have done,,,,if you would please explain what surprised you about the whole process??? your input could help others decide on this procedure....thanks for your time and help on this

I had a heart cath in 2004. This one was way different. During the watchman procedure, you will also get a TEE at the start. On my pre-procedure TEE, done weeks before, it was simple and easy. So, I was expecting basicly the same TEE procedure and the same heart cath like before. Not so. For the actual watchman implant procedure it went like this: First. you are prepped for the procedure room. This consists of an IV line put in, a 12 lead monitor hooked up then you get the entire pubic area shaved. I was expecting to be shaved only on one side. Next, you are taken to the procedure room. I was expecting maybe 4 people in there. Turns out there were I think 8 people. The nurses will start slapping a lot of very cold tabs on your chest, in addition the the 12 you got in the prep room. Your arms and feet will be tied down so you can't move. I did not expect that. I have issues having my limbs immobile. Then they will remove your gown and you will be completed naked. I have very strong modesty issues and that upset me a bit. Then you will start getting ananstesia. and you will go out. Once you are out they will do the TEE and watchman procedure. You will wake up on the recovery room. I had severe shakes from being so cold. Took a while for me to warm up. You will have to lay flat on your back for at least 3 hours. Then you get moved to the ward. The nurses should come around at least once an hour to check your incision. For me and I speak only for me, the anastesia had the side effect of causing multiple erections. This for me was very embarrassing when the nurses had to see that area. I also had urine retention which I was not prepared for. They did not put in a urine cath for the procedure. My research shows a urine cath is not usually used in a surgery lasting less than 3 hours. When you are in the recovery room they may give you a dry sandwich to eat. Your throat will be raw and sore from the TEE and getting dry bread down will be difficult. I could not eat mine. Your option.
I think if I had known more about the actual procedure and the anastesia side effects I would have been better prepared mentally. I could not find very much useful information about the watchman procedure online. What little is there is not well written and leaves a lot out.
After surgery you will be told to not lift anything over 10 pounds for at least a week. Since my procedure failed, I was not put on blood thinners at all. If yours is successful, you will be on blood thinners for a while.

Hope this helps

@phoenix1647, I'm sorry to hear that getting the Watchman device was such a negative experience for you. It's sounds like, aside from not being able to seal the left atrial appendage (LAA), be unprepared for what to expect was equally upsetting. Had the procedure been properly described, much of the unnecessary suffering could have been avoided I suspect. I'm grateful that you shared your experience to help others be better prepared to ask questions about what to expect.

Here's a video with Mayo cardiovascular surgeons talking about the:
- Pros and Cons of LAA Occlusion Devices vs Anticoagulation https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/930190

So now your main concern I assumed to get the LAA successfully sealed. @1943 @ronva2co and @kidsincollege have had the Watchman device inserted and may have some thoughts to share.

Phoenix, will you talk to your cardiologist about the discomfort your experienced with the procedure and discuss ways to improve the next procedure?

Starfirey2k...May I suggest that whoever goes with you for the procedure, bring a couple small jello packs. Maybe some sort of snacks for when you get in your room. What I wanted most when I woke up was something cold to drink. The sandwich was just too dry for me to get down and something like jello would have helped. I wish you well in getting your device.

I have a friend who had a watchman installed. He had a second stroke anyway. I guess there are no guarantees.

Thank you. We often go blindly trusting to a new doctor.

I would but my procedure is tomorrow, Wednesday the 6th

I finally got access to my medical records from the failed procedure. Seems they tried to use the NON-FLEX devices. I will be talking to cardiology on Jan 27 to see about trying the newer Watchman FLX. I also talked to a Watchman rep who informed me she knew of NO newer models coming out anytime soon but they are always trying to improve their produces.

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.

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