Advanced Heart Procedures
What is Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion ?
The WATCHMAN™ is a small parachute-shaped device about the size of a quarter that prevents blood clots from forming in the left atrial appendage (LAA). The LAA is a small pouch that extends from the heart's upper left heart chamber (atrium).
People with atrial fibrillation a type of irregular heart rhythm, have a high risk of blood pooling and forming clots in the LAA. Traditionally, blood thinners were the only treatment to prevent blood clots in patients with AFib. These medications can have challenging side effects, such as severe bruising or prolonged nosebleeds. The WATCHMAN closes the LAA to prevent clots from forming, without medication.
People with atrial fibrillation a type of irregular heart rhythm, have a high risk of blood pooling and forming clots in the LAA. Traditionally, blood thinners were the only treatment to prevent blood clots in patients with AFib. These medications can have challenging side effects, such as severe bruising or prolonged nosebleeds. The WATCHMAN closes the LAA to prevent clots from forming, without medication.
Who Might Be a Candidate for the WATCHMAN Device?
People who have AFib that isn’t caused by problems with their heart valves may be candidates for the WATCHMAN device. At Penn Medicine, our cardiologists offer the WATCHMAN device to most patients with AFib. This helps ensure our AFib patients experience even better outcomes with a lower risk of blood clots and stroke.
The WATCHMAN is especially beneficial for people who need to avoid taking blood thinners due to risk factors, such as high blood pressure hypertension or history of a stroke that increase the risk of severe bleeding. People who work very active jobs or have a higher risk of falling may have more risks associated with taking blood thinners.
Dr.Omran offers this procedure for patients who are candidates for it. Dr.Omran also frequently performs this procedure under conscious sedation, which offers a faster recovery. To learn more about wathman procedure, please watch this video adapted from Boston Scientific Cardiology
The WATCHMAN is especially beneficial for people who need to avoid taking blood thinners due to risk factors, such as high blood pressure hypertension or history of a stroke that increase the risk of severe bleeding. People who work very active jobs or have a higher risk of falling may have more risks associated with taking blood thinners.
Dr.Omran offers this procedure for patients who are candidates for it. Dr.Omran also frequently performs this procedure under conscious sedation, which offers a faster recovery. To learn more about wathman procedure, please watch this video adapted from Boston Scientific Cardiology