Heart problems are a common issue among many people in different parts of the world. In fact, heart disease holds a significant percentage of deaths worldwide. As a way of preventing future health complications, the medical industry has developed a range of solutions to deal with this problem. One of the most effective devices is the watchman heart device. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Watchman heart device and provide a comprehensive guide on how to use it effectively.

Understanding the Watchman Device – The Watchman device is a small implant placed in the heart through a catheter. The device helps to prevent stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib). The device is shaped like a small umbrella that is designed to prevent blood clots from forming and moving to the brain, leading to a stroke. Although the device is small, it has been known to help patients significantly by reducing the risk of stroke by up to 80%. It is important to note that this device does not replace the use of blood-thinning medications as they are still required after the insertion of the Watchman device.

How to Use the Watchman Device – The Watchman device has a catheter system that is used during placement. Before the procedure, the patient is administered anesthesia to numb the area around the groin. Then, the cardiologist makes a small incision on the groin area and guides the catheter through the vein. The cardiologist uses an ultrasound to guide the catheter through the vein to the heart. Once the catheter reaches the heart, the Watchman device is inserted, and the cardiologist makes sure it is placed properly. After the procedure, the patient is required to stay in the hospital overnight for observation.

Follow-Up Care After the Procedure – After the Watchman device procedure, the patient must take blood-thinning medication for about 45 days to ensure that there is no blood clotting around the device. The patient must also follow up with the cardiologist for monitoring to ensure that the device is working correctly. During the follow-up visits, the cardiologist will check the device’s position and perform an echocardiogram to ensure that there are no complications.

Side Effects of the Watchman Device – Just like any medical procedure, the Watchman device has some side effects that patients must be aware of. The most common side effect is bruising around the incision area. Other side effects may include bleeding and infection. In some patients, the Watchman device may cause blood clots to form in the heart. However, this is a rare occurrence and is usually detected during the follow-up visits with the cardiologist.

Who Can Benefit from the Watchman Device – The Watchman device is ideal for patients that have a high risk of stroke due to AFib. Patients with previous strokes or those who cannot tolerate blood-thinning medications can benefit significantly from the Watchman device. The Watchman device is not recommended for patients with a mechanical heart valve or those who have an active infection.

Conclusion:

The Watchman heart device is an innovative medical solution that has proven to be effective in preventing stroke in high-risk patients with AFib. Although the procedure of implanting the device may seem intimidating, the benefits that come with it outweigh the risks. Patients must remember that the Watchman device is not a replacement for blood-thinning medication and must follow up for continuous monitoring. If you or someone you know has AFib, it may be worth considering the Watchman device as a preventive measure for stroke. Inquiries regarding the device can be made with a cardiologist.