Left Atrial Appendage Occluder Device (WATCHMAN)

If you have atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem, advanced treatment is available close to home at Bronson.

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a small pouch located in the left upper chamber of the heart. In patients with AFib, the heart beats irregularly, which can cause blood to pool in the LAA and form clots. If a clot leaves the heart, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

A left atrial appendage occluder device may be an effective treatment option. This minimally invasive procedure does not require open-heart surgery and permanently closes off the LAA to help prevent clots from forming.

At Bronson Methodist Hospital, our experienced heart team specializes in implanting the WATCHMAN™ device, the most widely used and doctor-recommended implant for closing the LAA.

Trust the Experienced Team of Heart Doctors

Learn if WATCHMAN Is Right for You

You may be a candidate for a left atrial appendage occluder device 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 atrial fibrillation?
• 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 are taking warfarin and having trouble with your treatment plan, and a different type of blood thinner is not an option for you.

Speak with one of our cardiac specialists to see if WATCHMAN might be right for you and to discuss your treatment options.