If you have AFib not caused by a heart valve problem and you need an alternative to blood thinners, the WATCHMAN Implant may be right for you.
A one-time, minimally invasive implant to reduce stroke risk and bleeding worry. See if you're eligible.
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The WATCHMAN Implant: a life-changing alternative
Ready to leave blood thinners behind? The WATCHMAN Implant is an option to reduce stroke risk for people with non-valvular AFib who need an alternative to blood thinners. Watch the video to learn more and talk to your doctor about the WATCHMAN Implant.
How the WATCHMAN Implant works
The effect of AFib on your left atrial appendage (LAA)
Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, affects your heart’s ability to pump blood normally. This can cause blood to pool in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage, or LAA. There, blood cells can stick together and form a clot.1
When a blood clot escapes from the LAA and travels to another part of the body, it can cut off the blood supply to the brain, causing a stroke.1
In people with non-valvular AFib (NV-AFib), more than 90% of stroke-causing clots are formed in the LAA.2 That’s why closing off this part of the heart is an effective way to reduce stroke risk.
How the WATCHMAN Implant protects you against clots
The WATCHMAN Implant fits right into your LAA. It’s designed to permanently close it off and keep those blood clots from escaping. The WATCHMAN Implant device is about the size of a quarter and made from very light and compact materials commonly used in many other medical implants.
Freedom from blood thinners
Thanks to continuing innovation and advancement, the WATCHMAN Implant is offering more people than ever a safe, effective alternative to blood thinners should they need one. In a clinical trial, 96% of people were able to stop their blood thinner 45 days after the procedure to get the WATCHMAN Implant.3
There are risks associated with all medical procedures. Please talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of the WATCHMAN Implant.
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Next steps
References:
1. Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAA). Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17167-left-atrial-appendage--closure. Accessed June 10, 2024.
2. Blackshear JL, Odell JA. Appendage obliteration to reduce stroke in cardiac surgical patients with atrial fibrillation. Ann Thorac Surg. 1996;61:755-759.
3. Kar, S., et al, Primary Outcome Evaluation of the Next Generation LAAC Device: Results from the PINNACLE FLX Trial, Circulation, 2021.
Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
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Content on this web page is for Informational Purposes only and does not constitute medical advice and should not be used for medical diagnoses. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health or to address any clinical/medical questions.
WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure Implant
Important Safety Information
The WATCHMAN FLX and WATCHMAN FLX Pro Devices are permanent implants designed to close the left atrial appendage in the heart in an effort to reduce the risk of stroke.
With all medical procedures there are risks associated with the implant procedure and the use of the device. The risks include but are not limited to accidental heart puncture, air embolism, allergic reaction, anemia, anesthesia risks, arrhythmias, AV (Arteriovenous) fistula, bleeding or throat pain from the TEE (Trans Esophageal Echo) probe, blood clot or air bubbles in the lungs or other organs, bruising at the catheter insertion site, clot formation on the device, cranial bleed, excessive bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, groin puncture bleed, hypotension, infection/pneumonia, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, pulmonary vein obstruction, renal failure, stroke, thrombosis and transient ischemic attack. In rare cases death can occur.
Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of the device.