What is a Watchman device, you might ask? Well, if you or someone you know has atrial fibrillation you may want to listen up!
Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is the most common type of irregular heartbeat.
It affects an estimated 7 million Americans and can start off feeling like a quivering heart. AFib is dangerous because it can increase your risk of stroke and blood clots. In fact, those living with this condition face a five times greater risk of stroke compared to individuals with normal heart rhythms.
There are six different types of atrial fibrillation based on the cause of the irregular heartbeat as well as if it has been long-term issue. When it comes to a Watchman device, it is used to treat non-valvular atrial fibrillation which is AFib that isn’t caused by a heart valve problem.
Reza Mehzad, MD, is one of four doctors in our Cincinnati market who make up our skilled Watchman device implantation team.
“I am proud to be part of a team that offers this life-changing treatment,” Dr. Mehzad shares.
“The Watchman device provides our patients a unique opportunity to manage their AFib and significantly reduces the risk of stroke.”
The Watchman implant device, which is about the size of a quarter, works by closing off the left atrial appendage (LAA), a small pouch in the heart where blood clots can form. In doing so, it prevents these clots from entering the bloodstream.
The device features a permanent polymer coating, which also helps to minimize the risk of device-related blood clots. The Watchman device can be successfully implanted in a wide range of patients and is an alternative to taking blood thinners.
Best of all, the procedure to implant the Watchman device is minimally invasive, with most people being able to return to their normal activity within a couple weeks.
This technology has successfully been implanted in over 300,000 patients worldwide, and the procedure is a one-time event. One of the best aspects of the Watchman device is its permanence—it does not need to be replaced and is not visible from outside the body.
So, what is a Watchman device? Well, it could be your answer if you’re seeking an effective strategy to manage your AFib and reduce stroke risk.
Learn more about the cardiac electrophysiology services we provide at Mercy Health.
