WATCHMAN™ is an implant designed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, or AFib, a type of irregular heartbeat that can feel like a fluttering heart. An estimated seven million Americans are affected by AFib, and people with AFib have a five times greater risk of stroke than those with normal heart rhythms. The WATCHMAN device works by closing off a small sac in the left atrium, where harmful blood clots can form, to stop clots from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke. By closing off the left atrial appendage, the risk of stroke may be reduced, and, over time, patients may be able to stop taking blood thinning medications. 

Washington Regional’s Walker Heart Institute began offering the WATCHMAN device in 2018. In 2024, the team of cardiovascular professionals began offering the WATCHMAN FLX™ Pro device. This version of the WATCHMAN technology features visualization markers for more precise placement, a broader size range to treat a wider range of patients, and a special coating designed to reduce the risk of device-related blood clots. Washington Regional Walker Heart Institute uses a collaborative approach between the patient’s primary cardiologist and the physician that will implant the WATCHMAN device ensures the best outcome for patients. This partnership includes a thorough evaluation of each patient's unique medical history, stroke risk, and suitability for the device to ensure every patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs.

During the procedure, the doctor will make a small incision in the groin to access a blood vessel and guide a thin tube called a catheter through the blood vessel and into the heart. The WATCHMAN device will then be guided through the catheter and placed in the left atrium. This permanent device doesn’t have to be replaced and can’t be seen outside the body. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. Some patients may go home the same day, while others may need a short hospital stay.

Talk with your cardiologist about whether the WATCHMAN device is right for you or contact Washington Regional Walker Heart Institute to learn more.