The WATCHMAN Implant is the one-time, minimally invasive procedure that protects your AFib patients for life – without the bleeding risk associated with OACs.
You can make a difference.
Determine which of your patients are eligible for WATCHMAN.
Offer an alternative to OACs for stroke risk reduction
You know how much your patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) worry about bleeding and the risk of stroke. You may also know that oral anticoagulants (OACs) aren’t a good fit for everyone. Offer the WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure Implant to your patients who need an alternative to OACs.
One Time. For a Lifetime.
Proven1
10 years
FDA approved
600,000+
patients treated
20+
years clinical experience
Safe2
99%
implant success rate*
0.5%
major adverse event rate†
Effective2
96.2%
of patients discontinued OACs at 45 days
HCP perspectives on WATCHMAN
Why the WATCHMAN Implant was ideal for Brenda
The limitations Brenda experienced while on OACs made it difficult for her to live her active lifestyle to the fullest. The WATCHMAN LAAC Implant was the ideal solution for Brenda and her AFib journey.
Starting the conversation about WATCHMAN with your patients
See how other health care professionals proactively talk with their patients about WATCHMAN in this quick video.
Designed to treat a broad range of patient types
Past bleed
A major or minor bleeding episode
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
Increased risk of stroke
History of stroke due to:
Non-compliance
Inability to maintain internal normalized ratio (INR)
Which of your AFib patients may benefit from the WATCHMAN Implant?
The WATCHMAN Implant may be suitable for a broad range of non-valvular AFib (NVAF) patients and may be an appropriate option for your NVAF patients who meet these criteria. Eligible patients must:
- Have an increased risk of stroke and be recommended for OACs‡
- Be suitable for short-term OACs**
- Have an appropriate reason to seek a non-pharmacologic alternative to OACs
Note: Does not apply to patients who receive the WATCHMAN Implant concomitantly or sequentially with an AFib ablation.§
The CMS National Coverage Determination (NCD) remains unchanged. The patient must be deemed unable to take long-term OAC and meet all criteria in NCD 20.34 to be eligible for coverage.
Resources for your patients
Watch a helpful video with your patients
This 3-minute video for patients includes information on AFib-related stroke risk and the WATCHMAN Implant procedure.
Connect your patients with a Patient Ambassador
Patient Ambassadors are people who have received the WATCHMAN Implant and have volunteered to share their personal experiences with potential patients.
Share the WATCHMAN patient site
Designed just for patients, this website explains how the WATCHMAN Implant works, offers a quick quiz about eligibility, explains cost information, and more.
* Procedure success defined as successful delivery and release of a WATCHMAN FLX device into the LAA.
† Occurrence of one of the following events between the time of implant and within 7 days following the procedure or by hospital discharge, whichever is later: all-cause death, ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, or device or procedure related events requiring open cardiac surgery or major endovascular intervention.
‡ Increased Risk = CHA₂DS₂-VASc ≥ 2 in men, ≥ 3 in women. CMS coverage criteria requires a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥ 3. Providers are encouraged to read the decision memo in its entirety for additional detail.
** Option for immediate DAPT-only post-implant drug regimen for standalone WATCHMAN procedures.
§ In the OPTION trial, sequential LAAC was a minimum of 90 days post AFib ablation (as a protocol-driven blanking period).
References:
1. Represents all WATCHMAN models.
2. Kar S, Doshi SK, Sadhu A, et al. Primary outcome evaluation of a next-generation left atrial appendage closure device: Results from the PINNACLE FLX Trial. Circulation. 2021;143:1754–1762.