Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a type of irregular heartbeat that can increase a person's risk of stroke. AFib is the most common rhythm abnormality and affects >5% of population after the age 65 and close to 20% after the age 85.
To reduce the risk of stroke, most patients with AFib have to take blood thinners usually for the rest of their lives. This is associated with increased risk of bleeding complications such as bleeding from stomach and intestines and also bleeding in the brain.
One effective way to prevent stroke in patients with AFib is through the use of a watchman procedure.
The watchman procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a small device, called a watchman, into the left atrial appendage (LAA) of the heart. The LAA is a small, pouch-like structure in the heart that is responsible for producing about 90% of the blood clots that can cause stroke in people with AFib. The watchman device is designed to seal off the LAA, preventing blood clots from forming and reducing the risk of stroke.
The procedure is typically performed in a hospital setting, under general anesthesia. It takes about an hour to complete and most people are able to go home the same or the following day.
After the procedure, patients will need to take blood thinners for several weeks to help prevent blood clots from forming. It is important for patients to take these medications as directed and to follow up with their healthcare provider regularly to ensure that the watchman device is working properly.
Overall, the watchman procedure is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with AFib. If you have AFib and are at risk of stroke, talk to your physician about whether the watchman procedure may be right for you.
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