Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death all over the world. According to the American Heart Association, more than 17.9 million people die each year due to heart disease. Atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is a type of irregular heartbeat, is a leading factor for stroke. However, watchman heart devices are a remarkable solution that provides an alternative to blood-thinning medication to minimize stroke risk in patients suffering from AFib. In this article, we will discuss the functionality and benefits of watchman device.
The watchman heart device is a small device with a mesh membrane that is folded up and placed within a catheter. Using the catheter, the device is delivered to the patient’s heart through a vein in the upper leg. Once placed in the left atrial appendage, the device will grow and remain in place. The appendage is then sealed off so that blood can no longer pool inside, decreasing the risk of blood clot and potential stroke.
The watchman heart device is an alternative to blood-thinning medication, which is commonly prescribed to patients with AFib. However, blood-thinning medication can bring complications due to the increased risk of bleeding. With the watchman device, there is no need to constantly monitor medication levels or experience side effects associated with medicine.
Although the watchman heart device is an effective alternative, patients with AFib should still receive regular check-ups as they are still at risk of stroke. In case patients develop new significant symptoms or particular contra-indications, measures can be put in place to prevent the onset of stroke.
The watchman heart device has made significant progress in AFib stroke prevention. A clinical trial has shown that the risk of stroke was just 0.064% for patients with a watchman device, compared to 1.7% for those undergoing lifelong oral anticoagulation. Additionally, the watchman heart device’s success rate in preventing stroke is around 95%.
The watchman heart device installation procedure is minimally invasive, and the majority of patients go home within 24 hours of the procedure. The device is also MRI compatible and can last for a long time without requiring replacement or maintenance.
Conclusion:
Heart disease can be a significant risk to one’s health, and AFib stroke prevention is of high importance. Thanks to the watchman heart device, patients with AFib are safer, and the need for blood-thinning medication has been reduced significantly. The watchman heart device is a minimally invasive procedure with a high success rate in stroke prevention. However, patients with AFib should continue to receive regular check-ups to monitor the risk of stroke emergence. Overall, the watchman heart device has been a significant medical advancement in stroke prevention, and patients with AFib can benefit from the effectiveness of the device.