Minimally Invasive WATCHMAN Procedure

For heart and vascular patients, the WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure implant is an alternative for people who must take blood-thinning medications long term. The implant is designed to work as a safety net by closing off the left atrial heart flap and catching harmful clots before they enter the bloodstream to the heart and brain.

During atrial fibrillation, the heart's upper chambers – called the atria – beat irregularly. They also beat out of sync with the lower heart chambers, called the ventricles. Cardiologists typically treat AF with blood-thinning medications, including aspirin or warfarin to help prevent blood clots and stroke. 

An FDA-approved implant, the WATCHMAN is a minimally invasive heart device that’s implanted through a small needle puncture in the groin: The implant looks like a tiny parachute made from flexible mesh wire. It’s guided up through a thin catheter to the heart, where it can filter the blood.

What is atrial fibrillation? 

Millions of Americans have AF, an irregular heart rhythm in the upper chambers of the heart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it's the most frequent type of irregular heartbeat. Your heart rhythm changes may begin very slowly but can become more constant over time. 

Risk factors for atrial fibrillation include: 

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure 
  • Smoking 
  • Advancing age
  • Obesity 

Short-term, a chaotic heart rhythm can lead to symptoms like heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Long-term effects of AF may increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other cardiovascular complications. 

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include:

  • Chest pain
  • Breathlessness
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling faint
  • Irregular heartbeat

WATCHMAN helps prevent blood clots to the heart and brain

WATCHMAN implantation is a one-time procedure that may allow you to stop taking blood thinners after roughly 45 days. If you’ve been told you need to take blood-thinning medication because you’re at increased risk of stroke from atrial fibrillation, WATCHMAN could be right for you. 

WATCHMAN has been shown to prevent stroke as much as the medication warfarin – and with fewer complications, according to clinical trials by Boston Scientific, developer of the device.

Find a doctor 

Need a cardiologist at Temecula Valley Hospital in Southern California? Call the free referral service at 855-859-5203 or search the no-cost online directory.

* Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with a doctor about the risks and find out if minimally invasive surgery is right for you.