What Is the Watchman Procedure?
Watchman is a gear that is about the size of a quarter.
The Watchman is a minimally invasive, permanent, one-time procedure that lasts a lifetime.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
The Watchman procedure is done undergeneral anesthesiaand usually requires an overnight hospital stay.
During that time, heart tissue will grow over the implant to provide a barrier against blood clots.
While effective, it may not be right for everyone.
People who cannot takeblood thinnersare not candidates for the Watchman.
Although the procedure is minimally invasive and effective, some people may experience complications during or following the procedure.
In addition, they will undergo a physical exam and atransesophageal echocardiogram(TEE).
If clots are discovered, they may be treated with blood thinners before proceeding.
How to Prepare
Watchman is a minimally invasive procedure, but it does require preparation.
Watchman is covered for eligible Medicare patients.
Other insurers may require pre-approval or pre-authorization.
Your healthcare providers office can assist you in communicating with them.
Location
The Watchman procedure is performed as an in-patient surgery in a hospital.
The procedure is done under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep for the entire procedure.
Implantation takes about an hour, and patients stay one night in the hospital following the procedure.
Leave valuables at home.
Watchman is an inpatient procedure.
You may want to ask someone to remain at the hospital with you prior to and after your surgery.
Avoid deodorant, powder, lotions, makeup, nail polish, and fragrances.
A nurse will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels.
The surgeon will then guide the catheter to the heart and into the LAA.
How long you stay in recovery depends on how long it takes you to wake up.
After your LAA permanently closes, you will be able to discontinue taking warfarin.
Watchman is a one-time procedure and does not require further surgery.
Cleveland Clinic.Left atrial appendage & closure.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Left atrial appendage closure procedures.
