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Any experiences with Watchman Implant for A-Fib?
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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What was the reason?
The reason I spoke with a rep from Watchman? To see if I could get off blood thinners, which I have been taking for nearly 20 years. He said I didn't qualify because I didn't have sufficient bad reactions to blood thinners.
My Watchman FLX procedure is now scheduled for April 22nd. They are also using another kind of device to assist the Watchman but right now I do not know the name of it. I will post more as soon as I get more information.
My Watchman FLX procedure was a success!. They had no complications putting in the device. The EP said it went in much easier than he thought it was going to go. He is happy, so I am happy.
The only problem they had was closing the groin. Had some bleeding issues. They had to put in some kind of clip to get it to stop. This procedure was very painful.
During the Watchman procedure, they used both sides of the groin. They did not do the normal TEE but decided to use the echo thing through the left groin instead which was much better for me. No sore, raw throat!
Recovery went very well also. I must say I had a wonderful team of people taking care of me. The nurses were super!
my only complaint was the food. Normal hospital food.
I am now home with one very sore groin. No bleeding. So all in all, it went very well.
The one thing that sticks out for me is the total difference in the way they did things in the hospital. It was ttotlly diffferent than the first attempt. I was mentally prepared for how the procedure was to go and it was different. The second procedure went much better than the first. So, as usual, every hospital has it's own way of doing things.
So my next move is to consider doing the ablation. This decision will take some time to make.
Plesase, everyone, keep posting here of your procedures and issues. Your information helps many others make their decisions. No matter how little information you can add, it all adds up. Heart procedures are very serious, so let's all help each other get through them as well as we can. Thank everyone for your support during this time.
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2 ReactionsPOST-WATCHMAN report. June 28th, I just had my post Watchman TEE. The results were excellent. The device made a perfect seal in the LAA. There was no sign of any leaking at all. The healing process was also rated as perfect. I am to continue on my Eliquis for another 2 months and then I can stop. The doctor was very happy with my results as was I. This has been a bit of a rough road for me for the last 3 years, but it has all paid off now. It was worth it.
Hats off to Dr Horton at TCAI, his entire staff and the hospital for all they have done for me. Wonderful people.
Can't rate the hospital food very high but the nurses were great.
I have had no problems with the Watchman so far.
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2 ReactionsCongratulations, Phoenix!!
@bbeebe1943 @starfirey2k @odaleberg and @galevin will surely be interested to hear your good news.
I bet you are relieved that the second surgery had a significantly better outcome than the first, and most importantly, that you persisted with your research, got your records, and made an informed decision with your team to try again. Kudos!
Very glad to hear all went well this time, I am scheduled for the 28th of july for the watchman...I have great trust in my EP, he has been with me now for about 8 years. looking forward to getting it done and over with. be safe everyone. happy 4th of july to all.
Wishing you the best on your procedure. Please take your time in the healing process and don't push it too hard. Keep your fluid intake up and lots of rest. It was hard for me to do nothing. Now, I am back to my normal activities and feeling great. I hope your team is a good as mine was. It will seem a little frustrating at times, but it will happen. If you should need a little extra support or just need to rant a little bit..I am here. I will be happy to help if I can. Again, best of luck, try to not worry about the procedure too much.
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1 ReactionThanks Colleen. It is great knowing everything went well. There were a lot of frustrating times during this process, but in the end, it was all worth it. I am so very thankful for this site. It has kept me going through the tough times. Lots of help from many people here.
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1 ReactionPOST WATCHMAN FLX TEE RESULTS
Here is the final report on my post watchman flx device TEE.
Study Result
REPORT TYPE: ECHOCARDIOGRAM DIS DATE: 06/28/21
DATE OF STUDY: 06/28/2021
INDICATIONS:
A 74-year-old male status post Watchman device with a history of GI bleeding.
The study is being performed in order to assess the status of the device itself.
PROCEDURE PERFORMED:
Transesophageal echocardiogram with color flow, and spectral Doppler imaging.
SEDATION:
Conscious sedation provided by anesthesia that was present in and around the
entire procedure without complication.
PROCEDURAL NOTE:
After informed consent, a bite block is administered. An Omniplane probe is
passed down into the stomach with retrograde pullback. The results of the study
are as follows:
1. Preserved left ventricular size and function with no segmental wall motion
abnormalities or masses noted. Estimated ejection fraction 60%.
2. Mitral valve leaflets are mildly thickened with normal motion. There was
mild to moderate mitral valve insufficiency with a central regurgitant jet.
3. Moderate left atrial enlargement with no thrombus identified.
4. Left atrial appendage is thrombosed. There is a Watchman device that has
been appropriately placed. There is no evidence of peri-Watchman leak noted in
multiple viewpoints.
5. Interatrial septum is somewhat difficult to see with no evidence of PFO
noted.
6. Right atrium of normal size.
7. Tricuspid valve structurally intact with mild insufficiency (tricuspid valve
hard to see).
8. Right ventricle of normal size and function.
9. Pulmonic valve structurally intact.
10. The aortic valve is trileaflet, mildly sclerotic with mild aortic valve
insufficiency.
11. No pericardial effusion.
12. Normal proximal aortic root.
SUMMARY:
1. Preserved left ventricular function.
2. Mild-to-moderate mitral valve insufficiency.
3. Status post Watchman procedure intact with no evidence of thrombus or
peri-Watchman leak.
4. No pericardial effusion