Heart disease continues to be a major health concern worldwide, with over 600,000 deaths annually in the United States alone. However, thanks to advances in medical technology, there’s a growing number of options available to help manage this disease. One of these groundbreaking procedures is called Watchman surgery, which is designed to prevent the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). In this blog post, we’ll delve into what Watchman surgery entails and how it works to help patients reduce their risk of stroke.

What is Watchman Surgery then? To put it simply, it’s a minimally invasive surgical procedure that inserts a small device into the left atrial appendage (LAA) of the heart. This tiny device is meant to prevent blood clots from forming within the LAA, where blood tends to pool and stagnate in patients with AF. Watchman surgery is typically recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation who cannot take blood-thinning medications, as these types of drugs may increase the risk of bleeding.

So, how does Watchman surgery work exactly? During the procedure, a small incision is made in the groin area to insert a catheter into the patient’s heart. The device is then delivered through the catheter and into the LAA, where it expands to fill the opening and prevent blood from accumulating. This effectively seals off the LAA and prevents clots from forming in the future. Over time, the heart tissue around the device grows and covers it completely.

After the surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring before being released to go home. Recovery time is usually around 24 hours, with most people able to return to their normal activities the following day. However, it’s important to note that follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are necessary to ensure the device is functioning as it should.

Although Watchman surgery is a relatively new procedure, it’s been shown to be highly effective in preventing strokes in patients with AF. In the landmark PROTECT AF trial, researchers found that Watchman recipients had a 38% reduced risk of stroke compared to patients taking warfarin. Plus, these patients were also able to discontinue blood-thinning medications altogether – which can have unwanted side effects such as bleeding – in some cases.

Watchman surgery isn’t for everyone, though. Patients who have a mechanical heart valve, severely enlarged LAA, or recent episodes of stroke or transient ischemic attack are not candidates for Watchman surgery. Additionally, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. These can include bleeding, infection, and a risk of device dislodgement or embolism (detachment of the device and it going into circulation in the blood). However, for many people with AF, the benefits of Watchman surgery may outweigh the potential risks.

Conclusion:

Overall, Watchman surgery represents a revolutionary advancement in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention. By carefully assessing your individual risk factors, talking with your healthcare provider, and undergoing careful screening, you can determine if Watchman surgery might be right for you. With its proven track record of success, this cutting-edge procedure may be the key to unlocking a healthier, more active future for you or your loved one.