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.

Ethan McConkey, Moderator | @ethanmcconkey | Aug 31, 2019

Hi @trh5732 and welcome to Connect. I'd like to introduce you to fellow Connect members @kidsincollege @kathe626 and @elizabeth1941 as they have experience with the Watchman procedure and my be able to offer you support.

Back to you @trh5732 are you comfortable sharing your thoughts about the procedure? Did your cardiologist share any concerns about your bleeding problem and this procedure or did they think it would affect it?

trh5732 | @trh5732 | Aug 31, 2019

My cardiologist referred me to another cardiologist as I have a-fib and also have a bleeding problem with blood thinners. My specialist recommended a watchman procedure. What do you think?

kathe626 | @kathe626 | Aug 29, 2019

In reply to @kidsincollege "I have AFib and STV and have had two heart Ablations. I'm on Solatol and Eliquis...." + (show)

I had the Watchman implanted last July mainly due to intolerance to xaralto and AFib. The surgery was very easy, overnight stay. Best part was getting off the blood thinner. I was on Plavix for 6 months. Then ASA for additional 6 months. Now 1 year later just mini ASA. Very happy with the results. You do have 3 TEE to make sure everything is OK - but it is a nothing. Good luck. Kathe

ltssjs | @ltssjs | Aug 29, 2019

In reply to @kathe626 "I had the Watchman implanted last July mainly due to intolerance to xaralto and AFib. The..." + (show)

What is a 3 TEE?

kathe626 | @kathe626 | Aug 29, 2019

In reply to @kidsincollege "I have AFib and STV and have had two heart Ablations. I'm on Solatol and Eliquis...." + (show)

Trans Esophegal Echocardiogram. Ask your doctor, the 3 means you have to have 3 before off all drugs.

kidsincollge | @kidsincollege | Aug 29, 2019

In reply to @kidsincollege "I have AFib and STV and have had two heart Ablations. I'm on Solatol and Eliquis...." + (show)

Thank you Kathe. I appreciate you information and input you have provided me. So glad you are so happy with your procedure. Wishing you continued good health!

kidsincollge | @kidsincollege | Aug 29, 2019

<p>I have AFib and STV and have had two heart Ablations. I'm on Solatol and Eliquis. Last month I was hospitalized for low blood pressure due to blood lose. I had to have 4 units of blood transfusion. They never determined what caused me to have the blood lose. My doctor is a cardiac electrophysiologist and has now scheduled me to have a Watchman device implant surgery early next month. She says this is necessary due to my high risk of having a stroke. It may help me to be able to eventually lower or get off the blood thinners. I would appreciate anyone that has had this procedure to give me any input on their experience of the procedure and post surgery. Good health to all! Thank you!</p>

1943 | @1943 | Jun 15, 2019

In reply to @elizabeth1941 "Does anyone have a watchman implant? If so are you happy or satisfied with it.My EP..." + (show)

I have the watchman implant. Almost a year now. All I take is a baby aspirin a day. Glad to be off blood thinners after two major bleeds

elizabeth1941 | @elizabeth1941 | Jun 15, 2019

In reply to @1943 "I have the watchman implant. Almost a year now. All I take is a baby aspirin..." + (show)

Thank you good to know this

kathe626 | @kathe626 | Jun 15, 2019

In reply to @elizabeth1941 "Does anyone have a watchman implant? If so are you happy or satisfied with it.My EP..." + (show)

I received one July 2018. I am very happy with it. I had a high Chad score and had been on blood thinners for 6 years. I am so happy to be off them. I still bruise but they Now eventually go away. I am 82 and very active, biking, swimming, tennis And gardening so being able to take Alive is great. Only small downside TEE (one to go) and heartburn from the ASA. I highly recommend. Kathe

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