The goal of the WATCHMAN procedure is to close off the left atrial appendage. The appendage is where most clots form that can lead to strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation.
WATCHMAN can reduce the risk of stroke as effectively as anticoagulation medication without the long-term risk of serious bleeding.
It is important to know that WATCHMAN does not treat atrial fibrillation or change the need for any anti-arrhythmic medication or procedure. It simply works to reduce stroke like an anticoagulation medication.
Per the American Stroke Association, over 795,000 Americans will have a new or recurrent stroke and more than 690,000 are caused when a clot cuts off blood flow to a part of the brain- an ischemic stroke. Stroke is the #1 cause of disability in adults. Stroke kills 133,000 people a year, 1 out of every 20 deaths. Atrial Fibrillation related strokes account for about 22% of all ischemic strokes.
Bleeding is accepted as known risk of blood thinners (anticoagulation). This can range from nuisance bleeding and bruising to serious bleeding which can require hospitalization for management. Coloradans live active lives and often live in fear of uncontrollable bleeding with adventure activities. Patients are overcome with worry about falls or accidents which could create large life threatening bleeds. With WATCHMAN, you no longer have to live in fear of bleeding due to blood thinners for the risk of stroke with atrial fibrillation.
Colorado Springs Cardiology’s specialized structural heart division helps patients who consider the option for closure of the left atrial appendage in the setting of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) to reduce risk of stroke as effectively as anticoagulation medication. Long term, the risk of bleeding is reduced as the patient is able to be off of blood thinning medication.
The WATCHMAN device is implanted into the heart in a one-time procedure. It’s permanent, and it does not have to be replaced. The device can’t be seen outside the body. To implant WATCHMAN, your doctor inserts a tube in the upper leg. Your doctor then guides the WATCHMAN device into the left atrial appendage (LAA) of your heart. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. Watch video.
WATCHMAN is approved by the FDA for reducing the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. More than 50,000 procedures have been performed worldwide. Many patients prefer WATCHMAN over blood thinners due to major bleeding, other medication side effects, the need for regular blood tests, fear of missing a dose, change in diet, medication interactions and the need for reversal for non urgent and emergent surgeries.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the Watchman Procedure or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 719-776-8768.
