WATCHMAN™ is a one-time implant that helps reduce AFib stroke risk
Patients with non-valvular AFib who need an alternative to taking blood thinners can count on St. Rose Dominican, San Martin Campus. We are one of the select providers in southern Nevada to offer this one-time, minimally-invasive procedure.
What Is WATCHMAN?
WATCHMAN is a permanent implant about the size of a quarter that offers an alternative to the lifelong use of blood thinners. It is placed into your heart during a minimally invasive procedure and never needs to be replaced.
Is WATCHMAN Right for You?
This is a safe, one-time, minimally-invasive procedure that permanently reduces stroke risk and blood thinner worries. For some, that means an extra measure of safety if they have bleeding due to certain medical conditions such as an ulcer. For others, it means peace of mind should they need surgery. And a more active lifestyle is less risky, even for travel that’s not near medical help. With 20 years of clinical and real-world experience, including 10 clinical trials, WATCHMAN has a proven safety record.
If you have a history of bleeding or a lifestyle, occupation or condition that puts you at risk for bleeding, your doctor may consider an alternative to blood thinners, such as the WATCHMAN Implant.
Overview of the WATCHMAN procedure
WATCHMAN is a small, FDA-approved flexible implant about the size of a quarter. Made from very light, compact materials commonly used in many other medical implants, it is placed into your heart during a minimally invasive procedure and never needs to be replaced.
To understand how WATCHMAN works, it helps to understand the connection between AFib and stroke. Watch this video to learn more.
Talk to your cardiologist about the benefits and risks. Together, you’ll decide if WATCHMAN may be right for you.
What is the WATCHMAN recovery time?
Because WATCHMAN requires only a small incision, most patients can return to normal activities within a few days as activities are gradually added back to their routines. Plus, 96% of people were able to discontinue their blood thinner at 45 days after their WATCHMAN procedure.
The procedure is done under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. Patients commonly stay in the hospital overnight and leave the next day.
To learn more about what to expect before, during, and after the WATCHMAN procedure click here.
Talk to your cardiologist about the benefits and risks. Together, you’ll decide if WATCHMAN may be right for you.
How Does AFib Increase Stroke Risk?
To learn more about the types of AFib, symptoms, risks, and treatment, click the link below.
Learn more about atrial fibrillation and stroke risk
Is WATCHMAN Right for You?
If you have a history of bleeding or a lifestyle, occupation or condition that puts you at risk for bleeding, WATCHMAN may be right for you. But like any medical procedure, WATCHMAN comes with risks, so it isn’t right for everyone. Your cardiologist will weigh your risk of a stroke against your risk of a serious bleeding problem to determine the right treatment for you.
Patient Stories
What’s the procedure like? Can you have the WATCHMAN Implant if you also have a stent? How is life different after the WATCHMAN Implant? Seven people who left blood thinners behind answer questions like these.
Dignity Health – St. Rose Dominican San Martin Campus
The San Martín Campus opened its doors to the public November 8, 2006, to serve the growing needs of the community. Located in southwest Las Vegas, the hospital has received numerous awards and recognition for its quality care.
Take the next step
Talk to your cardiologist to find out if you are a candidate.
Find a St. Rose doctor who performs the WATCHMAN procedure or call us at (866) 296-7846.