Watchman™ Implant for Atrial Fibrillation (afib)
The Watchman™ implant for atrial fibrillation is available on the Central Coast thanks to the the Sansum Clinic cardiology team at the only site between Los Angeles and the Bay Area with a Watchman program. The Watchman™ implant was recently approved by the FDA for treatment of atrial fibrillation (afib), a condition that causes an irregular and rapid heart rate due to blood clotting in the left atrial appendage (LAA.)
Clots can cause a stroke and often afib patients require the use of blood thinner medication. But for some who have bleeding complications, a long-term alternative to taking those drugs is necessary. For high-risk patients whose afib is not related to heart valve disease, the Watchman implant could be a solution.
The one-time implant is the size of a quarter. It operates like a tiny umbrella, catching clots and working like a plug to seal off the LAA. In less than one hour, Sansum Clinic doctors can position the device in the heart through a small tube inserted in a leg vein, avoiding major surgery.
It takes about 30 minutes to an hour to put the implant in. Patients spend one night in the hospital as a precaution and typically can return to their normal activities the next day. Eventually, heart tissue grows over the Watchman and 90% of patients can stop medications within 45 days.