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Referral information

Understand who may be eligible for a WATCHMAN Implant, and how to refer an eligible patient.

Identify which of your AFib patients may benefit from the WATCHMAN Implant

The WATCHMAN Implant may be suitable for a broad range of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients and may be an appropriate option for your NVAF patients who meet these criteria. Eligible patients must:

  1. Have an increased risk for stroke and be recommended for oral anticoagulation (OAC)

  2. Be suitable for short-term OAC therapy*

  3. Have an appropriate reason to seek a non-pharmacologic alternative to OACs

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Designed to treat a broad range of patient types

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Past bleed

A major or minor bleeding episode

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Increased risk of future bleed 

  • Due to work or activities that increase risk of falling or bleeding

  • Caused by other medications that increase bleeding risk

  • Caused by side effects of OACs, such as bleeding risk based on HAS-BLED score or other factors

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Increased risk of stroke

History of stroke due to:

  • Non-compliance

  • Inability to maintain internal normalized ratio (INR)

WATCHMAN patient referral process overview

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1. Educate

Discuss benefits and risks of the WATCHMAN Implant, review procedure details, and share next steps for connecting with an implanting physician.


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2. Document

Using a referral form or electronic medical record (depending on the implanting physician’s preferred method), document your consultation so the implanting physician has access to all referral information.


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3. Send

Send referral to the implanting physician, according to that physician's requirements.

Learn how WATCHMAN has positively impacted patients' quality of life

Patient perspective

Getting a WATCHMAN Implant has made a huge difference in Wayne’s life. Being very active, he immediately knew that the risks and side effects of blood thinners would hold him back from the life he wanted to live. After his implant procedure, he’s back to yoga, hiking, and volunteering — all without the worries of bleeding or stroke. 

Cardiologist perspective

Cardiologists describe the impact WATCHMAN has had on their patients. Hear how after receiving the WATCHMAN Implant, patients were able to go back to their everyday activities without the worry of OAC bleed risk. Hear more about the different patient types who were candidates for the WATCHMAN Implant. 

Explore examples of WATCHMAN candidates


*Option for immediate DAPT-only post-implant drug regimen