Watchman device

Hi all,

 

Hope everyone is doing well. I haven’t been on here in awhile. Been recently diagnosed with a fib (paroxysmal) and I can’t take blood thinners.  Dr is pushing Watchman device.  Has anyone ever had this device or considering it? 

I have a new pacer too, Medtronic Azure which I’ve read can override episodes of afib if programmed properly.   

 

Any my comments suggestions are welcome.  Thanks!

Sue

Lovaldgs (formerly Magster)

3 Comments

Alternative View of Watchman

by KonaLawrence - 2018-11-20 02:14:10

Aloha Sue,
I suggest you consider getting a 2nd opinion before proceeding with any surgerical procedure.  If you are not elgible for any anti-coagulants, it is a difficult situation.  However, some docs do not think the Watchman is a "great" alternative.  I trust the EP Dr. John Mandrola.  He does not recommend the Watchman procedure...
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/888355
https://www.drjohnm.org/2017/10/left-atrial-appendage-closure-does-not-prevent-strokes/

His personal website is  https://www.drjohnm.org/

Is he biased?  Of course he is, everyone is one way or another.  That's why I suggest you get a 2nd opinion from another heart doc.

Good Luck, Lawrence

Watchman

by Sue H. - 2018-11-20 08:24:42

Thanks so much KonaLawrence. I also like Dr Mandrola.  I’ve been following him online. He makes some very valid points. One of the things I find interesting is after you get Watchman you still have to be on blood thinners for a short time. Well with anyone that had severe GI bleed like I did, I find that scary.  

Watchman

by pogerm1 - 2018-11-20 23:39:20

Go to AFIBBERS.org they have had a lot of posts about the Watchman, some have had the device implanted.  There is a new study that i believe is still ongoing with people getting the watchman implanted, they are using a new material in the watchman which is supposed to be much better.  A few of the people that come to the above mentioned site have had this new device implanted last Aug.and are doing great.  They do have to take an anticoagulant for a few months plus aspirin then they no longer will have to take any anticoagulants.  The doctor these people have to install the device is Dr Natalie of Texas, he has done many of these and if very experienced.

You know you're wired when...

You fondly named your implanted buddy.

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