![]() Published 2012.Accessed September 1, 2016. In rare cases death can occur.īe sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the implantation 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. With all medical procedures there are risks associated with the implant procedure and the use of the device. The WATCHMAN and WATCHMAN FLX Devices are permanent implants designed to close the left atrial appendage in the heart in an effort to reduce the risk of stroke. It may help prepare you for talking to your doctor about your options for reducing stroke risk. This website is intended to provide patients and caregivers with some information about the WATCHMAN Implant. WATCHMAN is for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem who need an alternative to blood thinners. 7 Left atrial appendage closure will not prevent these other causes of stroke. These causes can include high blood pressure and the narrowing of blood vessels to the brain. It’s important to understand that a stroke can be caused by factors other than a clot escaping from the left atrial appendage. Learn more about the WATCHMAN procedure ► It is the most implanted, FDA-approved device proven to reduce stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem (also referred to as non-valvular AFib). The WATCHMAN Implant is a left atrial appendage closure procedure. 6 Closing off the LAA is an effective way to reduce stroke risk in these people. When a blood clot escapes from the left atrial appendage and travels to another part of the body, it can cut off the blood supply to the brain, causing a stroke. In people with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem, more than 90% of stroke-causing clots that come from the heart are formed in the left atrial appendage (LAA). ![]() The left atrial appendage is a small pouch at the top of the heart. Left atrial appendage closure: A procedure called left atrial appendage closure provides an alternative to blood thinners for people who need one. Other AFib patients choose not to take blood thinners due to side effects or for other reasons. Some people with atrial fibrillation who should take blood thinners to reduce their stroke risk can’t due to their lifestyle or health history. While these blood thinners offer additional options to warfarin, each medication comes with its own risks and benefits. If you have trouble with your warfarin treatment plan, your cardiologist may recommend that you take a different type of blood thinner. Newer blood thinners don’t come with the same dietary restrictions as warfarin, and they don’t require INR testing. If you’re outside the recommended INR, you may be at higher risk for stroke or higher risk for bleeding. ![]() Forgetting to take your medication can also put you out of range. ![]() These tests measure your INR, or International Normalized Ratio, a number that tells how long it takes for your blood to clot.ĭietary guidelines: Certain foods, like leafy greens, can affect your INR if you’re taking warfarin. Regular blood tests: With warfarin, you have to get regular blood tests-from twice a week to once a month, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. It’s been used for decades and is typically less expensive than the newer types of blood thinners-but it comes with certain requirements and restrictions. Warfarin is a common blood thinner prescribed to reduce stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation. ![]()
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