If you have atrial fibrillation (AFib) that is not caused by a heart valve problem, you may be at increased risk for stroke due to blood clots that can form in the heart. For many patients who cannot tolerate long-term blood thinners or who are at higher risk for bleeding, the WATCHMAN™ implant offers an effective, minimally invasive alternative to help reduce stroke risk. At Oracle Heart & Vascular, our heart rhythm and structural heart specialists provide expert evaluation, implantation and follow-up care for patients who may benefit from the WATCHMAN™ implant.
What Is The WATCHMAN™ Implant?
WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) device is a small, permanent implant designed to close off the left atrial appendage (LAA). LAA is a small pouch in the upper left chamber of the heart where blood clots commonly form in patients with AFib. According to the NIH, more than 90% of stroke-causing clots innon-valvular AFib are believed to originate in the LAA. By sealing this area, the WATCHMAN™ implant helps prevent clots from entering the bloodstream and traveling to the brain, reducing stroke risk.
Am I A Candidate?
Every patient is carefully evaluated to determine whether the WATCHMAN™implant is the right option based on medical history, imaging and stroke risk factors. Your Oracle Heart & Vascular provider may recommend the WATCHMAN™ implant if you:
What To Expect From The WATCHMAN™ Procedure
WATCHMAN™ implantation does not require open surgery and is performed using a minimally invasive catheter-based approach. Before the procedure, pre-procedure testing may include imaging such as echocardiography or CT scans. We’ll review medication instructions and fasting guidelines with you. The day of the procedure, you will need to check in and complete consent forms.
During The Implantation Procedure
The procedure typically takes about an hour and is performed in our state-of-the art outpatient Oracle Procedural Suite for your comfort. Though it’s an outpatient procedure, you may need to recover afterwards in our care for several hours. You will receive sedation or anesthesia, and our cardiologist will insert a catheter through a vein in the groin and guide it to the heart. The WATCHMAN™ implant is then deployed in the left atrial appendage. We’ll ensure the device is implanted correctly through advanced imaging before removing the catheter.
After The Procedure
Your heart rhythm and vital signs will be monitored during your recovery. Before sending you home, our care team will review next steps and medication instructions. Many patients will need to take short-term blood thinners after the procedure until the device is fully sealed by heart tissue. We may ask you to limit strenuous activity while the catheter insertion site heals. A few weeks later, we may perform a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) to confirm proper closure.
Benefits Of The WATCHMAN™ Implant
The WATCHMAN™ implant does not treat AFib itself. However, it helps protect against one of its most serious complications. For appropriate candidates, it may offer:
Ongoing Heart Care At Oracle Heart & Vascular
The WATCHMAN™ implant is part of Oracle’s comprehensive heart rhythm and stroke prevention care, which includes advanced cardiac imaging and diagnostic testing, heart rhythm monitoring and arrhythmia management, medication management and anticoagulation counseling and long-term follow-up through our specialized care teams. We coordinate your heart care from evaluation through recovery and beyond, ensuring continuity and close communication with your providers.
Patient-Centered Care Is At The Heart Of What We Do
Oracle Heart & Vascular proudly serves the Fredericksburg and King George communities with compassionate, patient-focused cardiovascular care. Our experienced team is committed to delivering advanced treatment, personalized support and clear patient education so you feel informed and confident every step of the way. Request your appointment today and take the next step toward better heart health with a team that puts you first.
Fredericksburg
1011 Care Way, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
King George
15521 Real Estate Ave, Suite 202, King George, VA 22485