Watchman Device Implantation

Atrial fibrillation makes you 3-5 times more likely to have a stroke when a blood clot escapes your heart and reaches your brain. The cardiology team at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute eliminates that risk with a Watchman™ device implantation. The Watchman stays in place permanently, where it prevents strokes by ensuring clots don’t form. Call the office in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City, Wesley Chapel or Riverview, Florida, or book online today to learn if you’re a good candidate for the Watchman.

When would I need Watchman device implantation?

The Watchman is used in patients with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. Atrial fibrillation is a heart arrhythmia often caused by damage in the heart’s electrical system. As a result, the heart’s upper chambers beat chaotically and rapidly, hindering blood flow through your heart.

Sluggish circulation leads to blood pooling in your heart, thickening of the blood, and blood clots.

A dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation occurs when a clot leaves your heart, reaches your brain, and causes a stroke. After you have a Watchman implanted, the device stops clots from leaving your heart.

How does Watchman device implantation prevent strokes?

Blood pooling occurs, and clots form in an area called the left atrial appendage, a small pouch-like space in the heart’s upper left chamber. The Watchman is designed to fit inside the pouch and remain permanently implanted.

As heart tissue grows over the implanted device, the appendage is completely closed, preventing future clots and strokes.

What should I expect during Watchman device implantation?

Your Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute provider performs the minimally invasive procedure by making a small cut in your upper leg and inserting a long, slim tube (catheter) into the blood vessel. They guide the catheter through the vessels to your heart.

After reaching the left atrial appendage, they release the Watchman from the catheter, carefully implanting it into the pouch. For the last step, they remove the catheter, and your procedure is finished.

What is recovery like after Watchman implantation?

Most people stay in the hospital overnight so they can be monitored as they recover from the procedure. You’ll follow a medication regimen, but after stopping your post-procedure meds, you may be able to stop taking blood thinners.

You may have follow-up appointments at 45 days and six months after the implant. The heart tissue grows over the implant during this time, so your follow-up visits allow your provider to monitor your progress and adjust your medications if needed.

A year after your procedure, they may perform a transesophageal echocardiogram (ultrasound performed from a small device guided into your esophagus) to check the device and be sure the appendage has been sealed.

You’ll receive a Watchman implant card that you should always carry with you. In a medical emergency, it alerts doctors that you have an implanted device.

Call the nearest Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute office or book an appointment online today to learn more about Watchman device implantation.