Any experiences with Watchman Implant for A-Fib?

I just got off the phone with my son, and we were mostly discussing this procedure and the info I was collecting about the experience itself - your info in particular. Now you've given me even more to psych myself up for! Thank you. As I recall your first op didn't succeed because the device didn't fit (and you had to wait for new sizes to come out?).

It's both good and bad that we're having these things done when we are. The very first patients were kind of guinea pigs if only because the surgeons were new at it. Now they're better, especially the ones who specialize (just found one an hour away). I HAD hoped the Cleveland Clinic docs and staff might have a more fine-tuned way of attending to patient comfort to the extent possible, even if it isn't a 5 star hotel! Plenty of warm blankets post-op if needing them then is expectable, seems like a basic.

The pain (inevitable and possibly extra if one's situation leads to it) is more daunting than when I just went by the la-de-da version presented on the Watchman web page, but at least I don't have to worry about embarrassing erections LOL! (Ha, I remembered). The insertion of the catheter in the femoral vein (possibly both sides - hope not!) , the post op cold, the nudity, and urinary retention - considering my special problems - are not pleasant prospects. I'll ask for accommodations in advance, though, thanks to your advice (THE WARM BLANKETS. especially. Also, catheters.)

Still wondering about the Cleveland Clinic especially as the more I think about it, the more I think my cardiologist is (however nice) sub-par, and that I need a thorough cardiac work up. My sibs and I inherited cardiac problems (I thought until recently, it was almost exclusively a lipid disorder), but as we age I am identifying more areas in need of supervision. One of my two brothers died suddenly in his sleep a year ago, and that certainly gave both survivors food for thought about our self-care including the best possible cardiologists. My brother's in a good area (Sarasota FL) but my rural PA area is definitely "medically underserved" . I think it would be a good idea to have a better going over heart-wise. even though the other certified surgeons would probably get me through alive. I had a 9 hour spinal surgery six years ago, and I decided to go with the head of the spinal clinic at the NY Hospital for Special Surgery - supposedly the best orthopedic hospital in the nation. (That was after eight consults!). He made rather a hash of it (looking into revision surgery elsewhere), so I know the biggest names aren't necessarily a guarantee of the best results.

May I ask where you had your Watchman implanted? My son thought you must have had an especially bad experience perhaps owing to where you went, but I said I had the feeling you were just "telling it like it was", not that it was unusually rough treatment. (Just remembered another thing I need to check out thoroughly - insurance. You DID say the cost of the failed first op had cost ~$176K and still counting? I may be mixing up replies on CONNECT. I have Medicare + Medigap Plan F (no longer available) but I'd better dot my I's and cross my T's there too.

Many thanks again for your kind efforts to prepare me. Somehow I'm getting almost as psyched up to it, as before the spinal operation though the frequency of serious side effects from that are known to be much greater. (I believe about 300,000 patients have acquired Watchmen, with a total of ~300 deaths resulting.).

Sorry all for going on so! Perhaps I took your invitation too literally.

First...as I understand it, only doctors that have been certified can put in a Watchman. If your local area has a doctor who is certified, then I see no problem. The procedure is done in a cath lad. After the procedure, you will go to a recovery room and then spend one night in the hospital. The first procedure that failed, I had very little pain after the surgery. The second procedure went very well however, they had some issues closing the vein when they took out the cath and had to use a device to close it up. That was very painfull. I had a lot of pain afterwards. I was very sore for weeks. Second, on the successful procedure, they used both sides of the groin. Instead of doing a normal TEE during surgery, they used the left groin with a cath. When you arre prepped, they will shave both sides of the groin.
What I wanted most after coming out of surgery was something cold to drink. Once in your hospital room they will come in very often to check the site for bleeding. My second surgery, I had some super nurses. All were very nice to me. Can't say much good about hospital food. After surgery you will spend a lot of time lying flat on your back......something I don't like doing, but it is necessary.
If you are taking any meds, I would bring them with you. They messed up on my meds both times. Some hospitals will allow you to bring your own meds so please ask if that is OK.
It is normal to be nervous about any surgery. but these Watchman procedures are really easy. You should have no problems. You will be asleep during the procedure. Remember, these people are all professionals and do this all the time. If I can be of any more help. please feel free to ask. One just can't get too much information when it comes to their health. Good luck with your procedure. Let us know how it went.

I read your description carefully (I believe you are the contributor who described his surgery in great detail) and I. can't tell you how grateful I am for your going to the trouble to do so.

I made notes of what to ask of my surgeon and team (jello or pudding after I come to - NOT a dry sandwich! That was you, right?) and am mentally preparing myself for considerably more pain and discomfort than I had otherwise expected. (To team _- please get LOTS of warm blankets ready post surgically!! Catheter too owing to my urge incontinence and other urinary issues neurologically based.)

What I'm wondering is how different is my experience apt to be if I go to a local surgeon as opposed to the Cleveland Clinic which is a four hour drive - thinking more safety and consideration. Heart surgery IS heart surgery and besides there are several steps of surgery, right - even if the first device tried is. a good fit.

Thank you again for you help to your fellow patients! A. good deed.

Every hospital, surgeon, and cath lab will be a little different. All will say about the same thing when describing their procedure. My team told me almost nothing about how the procedure would go in the cath lab. I had a right heart cath years ago and figured it would be about the same. Was I ever wrong. Total difference. Best thing I can say is try to talk to someone from the cath lab if you can. Ask exactly what their procedure is so you can mentally prepare for it. I have two conditions that affected my experience in the lab. First, I have what is called GYMNOPHOBIA (fear of being seen naked in front of strangers) and second one is called MERTINTHOPHOBIA (fear of being tied down). During my procedure I was stripped of my gown for over 30 minutes and was also tied down. I had no clue they were going to do this until t happened. That has caused me a lot of mental stress. Even now, a year later, I still have issues about that.
So, try to talk to your medical team and the cath lab about any issues you may have.
My Watchman procedure went good and I have had no issues with the device itself. No problems getting off the blood thinners either.

I'm anxious to get off oral anticoagulants, but I've found it difficult to get wholly unbiased information about the Watchman device. The company is SO aggressive about marketing it it colors most of the presentation online. (And no wonder, as it seems to be their BIGTIME moneymaker.)

I gather things have improved since they began implanting it, and I hope so as there appear to have been a number of "adverse events" in the beginning. Also surgeons became more experienced in performing the procedure.

Could you please describe some of the "surprises" you (author) encountered in the procedure?

I hope so also, are you on ASA maybe get rid of it also, always check with your doctor.

I will be very happy to refer anyone to the doctor that put in my Watchman. He too was in on the ground floor and does many problem procedures . Mine went very easy. He is located in Austin, Texas.
I was very pleased reading your post and to see yours was a success too. My age is now 75 and not as active as I should be. I also anemic. My last hemoglobin test was 10 which is 5 points lower that two months before. I have another blood test coming up in two days. Hope it is stable now.

Wish to answer the gentleman that just got the Watchman. I was diagnosed with AFib in 2014. At that time I was referred to a cardiology group in SLC who had been part of the research group for the Watchman. At that time they had done 126 placements without a problem. I was told I was the perfect patient with a Chad score of 7. I had never heard of the device ( I am a nurse) and since I was new to blood thinners (Xaralto) decided to wait. Well did not do well on the thinners, constant nose bleeds and discoloration of the lower legs as I am a very active person and any little bump on the leg would bruise permanently. So after 6 years of these disturbing circumstances - I said OK. By then the Doctors at Intermountain Health had done 530 without any problems. My course was problem free. One night in the hospital, on Plavix for 3 months then baby aspirin for maybe a year. The Cardiologists at Intermountain said not needed and so much to the unhappiness of my regular Cardiologist I have been blood thinner free for the last 31/2 years. I couldn't be happier. As I said I am very active, skiing, tennis, pickle ball,biking and gardening , It is wonderful not being at great risk if I fall doing one of my regular activities. I did hang up my skiis last year but still am involved in the rest. If you have 1/2 the success I had you will be very, very, pleased. If anyone has further questions contact this site and I will answer. I do recommend a Cardiology group with lots of experience.
Hope this helps
Katherine Coelho

I have a lack of exercise too. I am 70 and waiting for a blood clot in my LAA to dissolve and then I will have my 2nd ablation. I do think my meds to slow my rate down make tired.

No, sometimes I am tired later in the day, but the med I take to slow down
my heart rate can do that, plus I just turned 79, so I might get tired
anyway. 😉 I recently had a hip replaced and the lack of exercise has
shortened and slowed down my walks, but I hope that’s temporary.