Watchman Device, preventing strokes in patients with Atrial Fibrillation, Lee MacDonald, MD.

[@dennisgarrison7315]

Just had the Watchman put in will check in the next week to see with a tee if it is sealed.

[@nrcg2317]

Dennis, I'm scheduled tomorrow for my procedure. Anything in particular that I should know, besides all the reading and talking I've done? Do you feel the device in any way? I worry about the transeptal procedure and the secure placement of the device.

[@dennisgarrison7315]

@@nrcg2317 I feel great with the Watchman and better being off the blood thinner. The procedure only takes a few minutes and go home the same day. I'm glad I had it done.

[@jamestierney7123]

Excellent presentation

[@danielsloan6029]

I am having this done tomorrow the 28 of February 2023.

[@user-umcub]

How are you after I am raising money for this surgery

[@danielsloan6029]

@@user-umcub Just had my second heart surgery had watchman device put in my heart back home just a little sore.

[@user-umcub]

@@danielsloan6029 good that you are receiving well

[@danielsloan6029]

@@user-umcub I am doing well a little sore but not bad.

[@hollygriffin7087]

Will still require thinners if AFib is not fully controlled !!!😢

[@johnmitchell3719]

How dangerous is this operation?

[@SouthDenverCardiology]

This advice is from Dr. Erin Unger who is one of the cardiologists who perform the procedure. "Left atrial appendage closure with a Watchman FLX device is considered low risk (< 3% risk of serious complications). Whether you are a candidate depends on your stroke risk from atrial fibrillation and your bleeding risk." Please don't hesitate to schedule an appointment if you would like to learn more.

[@saberman1]

Can a person have cardiac ablation and the Watchman device implanted during the same procedure?

[@SouthDenverCardiology]

Dr Sri Sundaram one of our Electrophysiologists says, "Not yet - not allowed yet in the US but may be allowed in the fall."

[@saberman1]

Thank You for that information.

[@DavidChristieCareerCafe]

“Certain other risk factors?”

[@johngatsby1473]

Those crazy new anti coagulation meds cost between 385 and 535 per month with no insurance. It's a ridiculous profit maker for these jerk drug makers.

[@manueljamora4806]

so it will block the blood clots formed within that finger like extension? will it not be filled with blood clots at some point?

[@SouthDenverCardiology]

Hi Manuel, The LAA is like the appendix, it does not have a function. The watchman device totally occludes the left atrial appendage so clots can not come from this area. So the answer to your question is, yes.

[@garyperry6003]

I just had it done…. When finished they found a clot attached to screen…. They tried to suck off but could not…. Now on double dose blood thinner… then surgin willl reevaluate in 30 days by using a tube camera to see if dissolved or covered with the layer of skin….. I am still a believer and have no regrets

[@jimcallaham1392]

what happens when the watchman fails to seal off properly?

[@josephstanski5180]

I am currently being considered for this procedure. Can you please give me an idea of the number of paitents with the Watchmen, that have experienced Afib after it was installed? Does it prevent Afib? Thanks so much. 7/23/2022

[@SouthDenverCardiology]

From cardiologist Dr. Erin Unger, "Left atrial appendage closure with a Watchman FLX device is considered low risk (< 3% risk of serious complications). Whether you are a candidate depends on your stroke risk from atrial fibrillation and your bleeding risk. Please don't hesitate to schedule an appointment if you would like to learn more."

[@James-tk5cu]

I just had it put in I feel great !! I never realized until I got the Watchman how bad my A Fib was Now I know I Dont feel anything anymore Good Luck and Get it !!!!

[@claramarone5510]

@@James-tk5cu hi my hubby’s in AFib. This procedure was brought up. Can u still have AFib once this is implanted? Thank you

[@James-tk5cu]

@@claramarone5510 Yes you can , It does not prevent afib But help with the stroke prevention , it really what the watchman is for and to remove Blood Thinners (Eliquis) for me 3 more months and I'm off totally only baby aspirin 81 mg They reduced my Eliquis to half right after Good LucK ! Let me know how it works out ! They had tried Cardio Version Shock the heart into normal rhythm #2 times I FEEL GREAT and i,m removing PILLS from the daily List

[@claramarone5510]

@@James-tk5cu hi n thanks I just want to understand what you said. You can still have this implanted n yet still be in AFib????

[@KatsPurr]

Does being overweight prevent the possibility for this procedure?

[@SouthDenverCardiology]

‘No - having obesity does not prevent the possibility of having a Watchman device. There are multiple criteria we use to determine who is best suited for a Watchman. If you are a candidate, your doctor will review the risks and benefits of the procedure; a discussion about the role of obesity in with a Watchman may be a part of that discussion. If you think you may be a candidate, please do not hesitate to make an appointment to discuss further.’

[@brickboo1]

My AFIB was caused by Congestive Heart Failure said my Cardiologist. He and an electrophysiologist said that I am not a candidate for this procedure. Can you tell me why they said this. Does this have to do with the valve issue?

[@SouthDenverCardiology]

Hello, a tricky question to answer. If you live in the Denver area, we would be happy to evaluate you, but if not, I would trust the recommendation from your heart team.

[@charlesbelcher1510]

I am interested in watchman. In 1994, when my mitral valve was replaced they did not close my atrial appendage. I understand surgeons do not consider the watch,an viable for me, because of my St. Jude Carbon mitral valve?