WATCHMAN Device for AFib

Patients with non-valvular AFib who need an alternative to taking blood thinners can count on Northridge Hospital. We are one of the select providers in the Los Angeles area to offer this one-time, minimally-invasive procedure. Watch Ingrid Lenz’ story and see how the WATCHMAN Implant helped her.

WATCHMAN is a one-time implant that helps reduce AFib stroke risk

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.

Take a closer look at WATCHMAN

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.

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.

Talk to your cardiologist about the benefits and risks. Together, you’ll decide if WATCHMAN may be right for you.

To learn more about what to expect before, during, and after the WATCHMAN procedure click here.

How Does AFib Increase Stroke Risk?

To learn more about the types of AFib, symptoms, risks, and treatment click here.

Patient Story

Watch Fermín’s Story and see how the WATCHMAN Implant became one of the best things that happened to him, later in life, allowing him an alternative to blood thinners to reduce his AFib stroke risk.

For more stories, click here.

Learn more about our WATCHMAN procedure

To learn more about our services and how we can help, please call Carly Fostakowsky, NP, at (818) 700-5691.