Services Cardiology Structural Cardiology LAA Closure (Watchman™)

Left Atrial Appendage Closure (WATCHMAN™)

The cardiologists at Hattiesburg Clinic are specialized in using the LAAC procedure with the WATCHMAN device to prevent strokes in patients with AFib.

Left Atrial Appendage Closure (WATCHMAN) Overview

More than 90% of stroke-causing blood clots that come from the heart are formed in the left atrial appendage (LAA). A cutting-edge procedure, Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) is designed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib). The WATCHMAN device is a key player in this process, offering a minimally invasive solution to seal off the left atrial appendage, where blood clots often form in individuals with AFib. By preventing clots from entering the bloodstream, LAAC with the WATCHMAN device provides an effective alternative to long-term anticoagulant therapy, which can pose risks of bleeding. This innovative approach not only helps protect patients from stroke but also enhances their quality of life, allowing them to manage their heart condition with greater confidence and peace of mind.

What is Atrial Fibrillation?
Signs & Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
Reducing AFib Stroke Risk
What is the WATCHMAN Implant?
How WATCHMAN Works
After the WATCHMAN Procedure
Patient Resources
Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF), or AFib, is an irregular, quivering and often rapid heartbeat.

Over six million people are affected by AFib in the U.S. The average person with atrial fibrillation is five times more likely to have a stroke than someone with a regular heartbeat due to the fact that AFib can decrease the heart’s pumping capacity by as much as 30%. Because blood is not pumped out of the heart normally, it is easier for blood cells to stick together and form clots in the LAA.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.

Signs & Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Palpitations – sensations of a racing, uncomfortable, irregular heartbeat or a flip-flopping in your chest
Weakness
Reduced ability to exercise
Fatigue
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Chest pain

Reducing AFib Stroke Risk

Blood thinners, also called anticoagulants, are an effective way to lower the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by heart valve problems.

But some people need an alternative to blood thinners because they can increase the risk of bleeding. Some bleeding events are minor and easily treated, like a cut taking longer than normal to stop bleeding. In other cases, the bleeding can be life-threatening, such as when bleeding in the brain causes a stroke.

If you have a history of bleeding or a lifestyle, occupation or condition that puts you at risk for bleeding, your doctor may consider an alternative to blood thinners, such as the WATCHMAN Implant.

What is the WATCHMAN Implant?

The WATCHMAN Implant is a small, parachute-shaped piece that is implanted during a minimally invasive catheter procedure that does not require surgery. A catheter is inserted into a vein near the groin and guided to the LAA. The WATCHMAN Implant seals off the LAA to prevent it from releasing potentially dangerous clots.

How is WATCHMAN Implanted?

WATCHMAN is implanted into your heart in a minimally invasive, one-time procedure. To implant WATCHMAN, your doctor makes a small cut in your upper leg and inserts a narrow tube, as done in a standard stent procedure. Your doctor then guides WATCHMAN into your heart’s LAA. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. Patients commonly stay in the hospital overnight and leave the next day.

How WATCHMAN Works

In people with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem, more than 90% of stroke-causing clots from the heart are formed in the LAA. That is why closing off this part of the heart is an effective way to reduce stroke risk.

The WATCHMAN Implant fits right into your LAA. It is designed to permanently close it off and keep those blood clots from escaping.

The WATCHMAN Implant is about the size of a quarter and made from very light and compact materials commonly used in many medical implants.

Science always looks for ways to make effective treatments even better. WATCHMAN is no exception. The WATCHMAN FLX design is an advancement that enables the implant to fit a greater number of patients, giving more people than ever a safe, effective alternative to blood thinners should they need one.

After the WATCHMAN Procedure

Following the WATCHMAN procedure, your doctor will prescribe you blood-thinning medication for 45 days or until your LAA is permanently closed off. During this time, heart tissue will grow over the implant to form a barrier against blood clots. Your doctor will monitor this process by taking pictures of your heart to see when you can stop taking your blood thinners.

In a clinical trial, 96% of people were able to stop taking blood thinners just 45 days after the WATCHMAN procedure.

After being discharged from the hospital, it is important that you:

Limit strenuous physical activity (such as jogging or activities that cause breath-holding, grunting or straining such as lifting heavy objects) for at least 30 days, or longer if your doctor thinks it is necessary.
Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medications you need to take, especially if blood-thinning drugs are prescribed.
Call your doctor if you cannot keep taking your medications because of side effects, such as rash, bleeding or upset stomach.

Patient Resources

Click here for more details about WATCHMAN.

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

At Hattiesburg Clinic, our cardiologists utilize the most advanced techniques available in the state, performing a significant number of structural heart procedures each year. Through our specialized structural heart program, we provide patients of all ages with effective treatment options for serious heart conditions, like AFib, to minimize the pain, risks and recovery time typically associated with open-heart surgery. Contact our team to learn more or get started.