WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAAC) is an implant-based alternative to blood thinners for patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) not caused by a heart valve problem. When a blood clot develops in the heart of a patient with AF, 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 AF.

Discuss your specific health condition with your doctor as you consider all your options to reduce your risk of stroke from AF. – 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 Memorial Hospital recognition as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care® by Independence Blue Cross.