WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) is an implant-based alternative to blood thinners for patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem. When a blood clot develops in the heart of a patient with AFib, it is most often found within the left atrial appendage, a small pouch on top of the heart. An LAAC implant acts as a barrier to prevent left atrial appendage blood clots from entering the bloodstream and causing a stroke.

Watchman Implant - Size of a Quarter It is important to know that a stroke can be due to factors not related to a clot travelling to the brain from the let atrial appendages. Other causes of stroke include: high blood pressure, and narrowing of the blood vessels to the brain. An LAAC implant does not prevent these other causes of stroke.

It is also important to understand that, like blood-thinning medications, an LAAC implant does not cure AFib.

Specific factors that need to be considered for the WATCHMAN Device and implantation procedure include:

Overall medical status, including conditions which might preclude the safety of a percutaneous, transcatheter procedure.
Suitability for percutaneous, trans-septal procedures, including considerations of:
- cardiac anatomy relating to LAA size and shape
  vascular access anatomy
- ability to tolerate general or local anesthesia
- ability to undergo required imaging
- ability to comply with recommended post-WATCHMAN Device implant
- pharmacologic regimen
- Warfarin plus aspirin for at least 45 days post-device implantation
  Clopidogrel and aspirin through six months post-procedure
- Aspirin indefinitely

Watchman Left Atrial Appendage DTP Animation Video

Watchman Left Atrial Appendage Implant Animation

Discuss your specific health condition with your doctor as you consider all your options to reduce your risk of stroke from AFib. – Read Press Release

Someone to Watch Over Me

A story about the tiny WATCHMAN™ that lives in this patient's heart, guarding her against the risk of a disabling or life-threatening stroke.

Read Marcia's Story

The high quality and cost-efficiency of our heart services have earned Abington Hospital recognition as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care® by Independence Blue Cross.