The Watchman (also known as a Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion device, or LAAO) is a small device implanted in the heart to trap blood clots that can form in the left atrial appendage — a common source of stroke risk in AFib. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Considered as effective as some blood thinners in Show Full Answer
The Watchman (also known as a Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion device, or LAAO) is a small device implanted in the heart to trap blood clots that can form in the left atrial appendage — a common source of stroke risk in AFib. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Considered as effective as some blood thinners in reducing stroke risk
- A great option for those who can't take blood thinners long-term
- Offers a non-drug alternative to ongoing anticoagulant therapy
- Only requires blood thinners for a short period after implantation Cons:
- The device is inserted through a catheter near the groin, so it is still an invasive procedure
- Risks include device misplacement, blood buildup around the heart, and stroke
- Not suitable for everyone with AFib — your cardiologist will assess your specific situation
It's really important to have a thorough conversation with your cardiologist about whether this is the right fit for you. Every person's heart situation is unique, and what works well for one person may not be the best path for another.
May 3
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