The Risks Associated with a Watchman Implant Procedure

As the heart beats roughly 100,000 times a day, it’s vital to keep it in top shape and prevent it from developing serious medical conditions. One such condition is atrial fibrillation, which can lead to blood clots, strokes, and heart failure. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have allowed for the creation of a device called a Watchman implant that can significantly reduce the risks of developing such illnesses. If you’re curious about this implant, here’s everything you need to know about how it works and the benefits it can provide.

The Watchman implant is a small device made from polyester and metal that’s inserted into the heart’s atrial appendage, which is where blood can pool and form clots. Once installed, the Watchman starts blocking off this area to prevent clots from forming inside. When clots are prevented from forming, this reduces the risks of strokes by over 70%. Overall, the implant offers a safer alternative compared to the long-term use of blood-thinning medications, which can lead to internal bleeding and other adverse effects.

Further backing the efficacy of the Watchman implant is a study conducted by the American Heart Association, which found that patients who received this implant were 40% less likely to develop strokes or experience other major embolic events. Over 1,000 patients were analyzed in the study, providing significant evidence supporting the efficacy of the implant.

Aside from reducing the risk of strokes, the implant also allows for a greater quality of life. This is because the Watchman reduces the amount of blood thinner medication one needs to take, which, as previously mentioned, comes with its own set of negative side effects. Additionally, the implant presents a one-time installation procedure, meaning frequent hospital stays or administration of the device is not required. This reduction in treatments also helps control expenditures both in the short and long term.

Furthermore, older individuals who have a higher risk of developing strokes and other conditions can also benefit from the Watchman implant. This is because their medical conditions often require them to limit their physical activities, which can impact their mental health as well. With the Watchman implant, they are free to resume their physical activities and not worry so much about developing conditions that could be fatal.

Conclusion: Overall, the Watchman implant provides a safer, more effective solution for those at risk for developing atrial fibrillation and other heart conditions. Its ability to reduce the need for blood-thinning medication while significantly decreasing the odds of developing life-threatening embolic events makes it a game-changer in the field of cardiology. With the Watchman implant, one can experience a greater quality of life with peace of mind and the ability to continue enjoying the activities they love.