Find Relief From AFib Symptoms
If you have atrial fibrillation (AFib), you could be at risk for having a stroke. The WATCHMAN™ procedure is an effective alternative to treat AFib that isn’t caused by a heart valve condition without blood thinners (anticoagulant).
We began doing WATCHMAN implant procedures more than a decade ago. Our electrophysiology team was the first in the St. Louis region to implant the WATCHMAN FLX device through a nonsurgical catheter procedure.
Is WATCHMAN Right for Me?
The WATCHMAN device might be a good choice if you:
- Have AFib that isn’t related to heart valve disease (nonvalvular AFib)
- Are at increased risk for a stroke
- Are on blood-thinning medications or your doctor has recommended them
- Are interested in a non-drug alternative
Learn more about how the WATCHMAN procedure works and what to expect from the procedure. Talk to your cardiologist about your options to see if the WATCHMAN is right for you.
WATCHMAN is for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem who need an alternative to warfarin. This website is intended to provide patients and caregivers with some information about the WATCHMAN Implant. It may help prepare you for talking to your doctor about your options for reducing stroke risk.
Important Safety Information
The WATCHMAN Device is a permanent implant designed to close the left atrial appendage in the heart in an effort to reduce the risk of stroke.
With all medical procedures there are risks associated with the implant procedure and the use of the device. The risks include but are not limited to accidental heart puncture, air embolism, allergic reaction, anemia, anesthesia risks, arrhythmias, AV (Arteriovenous) fistula, bleeding or throat pain from the TEE (Trans Esophageal Echo) probe, blood clot or air bubbles in the lungs or other organs, bruising at the catheter insertion site, clot formation on the WATCHMAN Closure Device, cranial bleed, excessive bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, groin puncture bleed, hypotension, infection/pneumonia, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, pulmonary vein obstruction, renal failure, stroke, thrombosis and transient ischemic attack. In rare cases death can occur.
Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of the WATCHMAN Device.