Think Outside of the Pill Box

The Watchman is a one-time procedure that may reduce stroke risk for a lifetime in people with AFib not caused by a heart valve problem.

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The WATCHMAN Difference WATCHMAN reduces stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. It works differently from blood thinners like warfarin. WATCHMAN is a permanent implant that closes off a part of the heart where blood clots commonly form. In a clinical trial, 9 out of 10 people were able to stop taking warfarin just 45 days after getting WATCHMAN. At one year, 99 out of 100 people were able to stop taking warfarin.1 This can lower the risk of bleeding associated with the long-term use of blood thinners like warfarin.

WATCHMAN Safety

WATCHMAN has a proven record of safety. Worldwide, more than 50,000 people have received the WATCHMAN Implant. WATCHMAN has been clinically studied for more than 10 years in the United States. It’s the only implant of its kind approved by the FDA. See back cover for important safety information, and talk to your doctor so you fully understand all the benefits and risks of WATCHMAN.

 

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A person with AFib is 5 times more likely to suffer a stroke than someone with a regular heartbeat.

 

AFib and Stroke Risk You probably already know that atrial fibrillation increases your risk of having a stroke. In fact, on average, a person with AFib is 5 times more likely to suffer a stroke than someone with a regular heartbeat. That’s because AFib causes your heart to beat irregularly, which affects its ability to pump blood normally. And when the heart doesn’t pump as it should, blood can collect and form clots. If a clot escapes, it can cut off the blood supply to the brain—causing a stroke.

 

 

Is WATCHMAN right for you?

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You may be a candidate for WATCHMAN if you can answer yes to the following questions:

Do you have atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem?

Has your doctor recommended that you take a blood thinner for your AFib?

Can you take warfarin but need an alternative to long-term blood thinners for one of the reasons below?

You have a history of serious bleeding while taking blood thinners

You have a lifestyle, occupation, or condition that puts you at risk for serious bleeding

-You’re taking warfarin and having trouble with your treatment plan, and a different type of blood thinner isn’t an option for you.

-If you think this describes you, then talk to your cardiologist about WATCHMAN.

-Get a customized guide that can help you ask the right questions at WATCHMAN.com/guide.

People who SHOULD NOT receive the WATCHMAN Implant include but are not limited to those who:

Cannot take warfarin (Coumadin®), aspirin, or clopidogrel (Plavix®)

Should not or cannot undergo heart catheterization procedures

Have an allergy or sensitivity to nitinol (nickel and titanium)

Have a left atrial appendage that does not fit the WATCHMAN Implant Are taking blood thinners for a condition other than atrial fibrillation

Cost and Coverage

WATCHMAN is covered for eligible Medicare patients who meet certain national coverage criteria. It’s also covered by an increasing number of commercial insurers.

The watchman medical device tampa cardio

 

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.

How It Works

 
Ready To Learn More? We Can Help
Tampa Cardiovascular Associates very own Dr. Sawar performs the Watchman implantation right in Tampa, Florida. If you believe you might be a candidate and would like to learn more we invite you to call our office and make an appointment for a consultation. 813-975-2800. www.tampacardio.com. 

 

To find out if you are a good candidate for The Watchman

Click here to schedule an appointment with our
Tampa Cardiovascular Associates
or call (813) 975-2800.