Left Atrial Appendage Occluder Device (Watchman)
If you suffer from atrial fibrillation not due to a heart valve problem, you don't have to travel far for innovative heart treatment.
The left atrial appendage is a sac located in the left upper chamber of the heart – this chamber is called the left atrium. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart beat. This can cause blood to get trapped in the LAA and form a clot. When the blood clot gets pumped out of the heart, it can cause a stroke.
A left atrial appendage occluder device may be the best option for you. It does not require open-heart surgery and permanently closes off the LAA so blood clots don't form. The experienced team at Bronson Methodist Hospital uses the WATCHMAN Implant to close off the LAA. It is the only device on the market that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3F7o_KRu7E
WATCHMAN Implant
Learn how this device can help stop blood clots and reduce your risk of stroke.
Trust the experienced team of heart doctors
Our team consist of interventional cardiologists, cardiologists with expertise in echocardiography, cardiac anesthesiologist, cath lab staff and structural heart program coordinator. Our goal is to create an individualized treatment plan to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Learn if WATCHMAN is right for you
You may be a candidate for a left atrial appendage occluder device if you have 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 your 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 WATCHMAN might be for your, talk to one of our cardiac specialists. Click here to learn more about the implant.
Meet Our Providers
Thomas Keller, Jr., MD, FACC, FSCAI - Bronson Advanced Cardiac Healthcare
Dr. Keller received his undergraduate degree from Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated cum laude. Dr. Keller earned his medical degree from Wright State University in Dayton, OH. He completed his combined Internal Medicine/Pediatric residency at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. Following his residency, Dr. Keller completed a fellowship in adult cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. He is also trained in carotid stenting and interventional endovascular peripheral procedures. Dr. Keller is board certified in pediatrics, internal medicine and cardiovascular disease. He is board eligible in endovascular peripheral intervention. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.
Christopher Rogers, DO, FACC, FSCAI - Bronson Advanced Cardiac Healthcare
Dr. Rogers received his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a rotating internship at Lansing General Hospital and an internal medicine residency at Michigan State University/Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies. Dr. Rogers has also completed fellowships in adult cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology from Wayne State University. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology, and is also a peripheral vascular interventionalist. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.
