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 tiny pouch in the upper left chamber of the heart. People with AFib are at higher risk for stroke because of these clots, so the Watchman 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 tiny pouch in the upper left chamber of the heart. People with AFib are at higher risk for stroke because of these clots, so the Watchman offers an alternative to long-term blood thinners. It may be a good fit for people who:
- Have been recommended an oral anticoagulant (blood thinner) due to higher stroke risk
- Can only take blood thinners for short periods
- Prefer a non-drug alternative to blood thinners for valid medical reasons
The device is inserted through a catheter in a vein near the groin, so it's minimally invasive. However, there are some risks to be aware of, including device misplacement, blood buildup in the heart, and stroke.
It's worth having an open conversation with your cardiologist to see if it's the right option for your specific situation. While there aren't specific member stories about the Watchman shared here, the MyHeartDiseaseTeam community is a great place to connect with others who may have firsthand experience with it!
August 20
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