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Can the Watchman be inserted during an ablation? Experiences?
I'm interested in the advisability (or even if it's done) of having a Watchman inserted during an ablation procedure. What are your experiences with this?
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Have you seen what Dr. John Mandrola has to say about Watchman? He is an EP cardiologist who carefully watches and interprets research and clinical trials/studies on heart rhythm issues, and has quite a bit to say about the Watchman device. I appreciate that he is not an alarmist, but is a balanced and careful thinker. Might be helpful for you. http://www.drjohnm.org
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I am scheduled for a PFA on 23 May and the electrophysiologist who will be performing the procedure has some concerns about the Watchman. He noted that there have been some issues with blood clots forming around the Watchman and the issues of leakage. He said that the Watchman is a good solution, but like all things it has its upside and downside. I will stay on Eliquis for some undetermined period after the PFA procedure and then just keep them handy in case I go back into AFIB.
The watchman is being scheduled at the same time as my ablation in 2 months. My choice is to avoid all heart medications for arythmia and blood thinners if the ablation stops the AFib. There are many possible side effects with these drugs! Primarily the Sotolol made me nauseated and exhausted. I've had trouble stabilizing the coumadin INR level as blood too thin or thick. I bought some eliquest but I am afraid to use it bc it's "not tested" for appropriate numbers plus a side effect that blood clots might form when going off the eliquest medication....