Watchman Device Implantation Procedure in Phoenix, AZ
The WATCHMAN device offers new hope for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation as an alternative to long-term medication. This Left Atrial Appendage Closure or LAAC Implant is suitable for patients who are considered suitable for Coumadin and are looking for a non-drug alternative.
What is the WATCHMAN device?
The WATCHMAN device is shaped like a parachute and only about the size of a quarter. When implanted into your heart, it closes off the left atrial appendage and prevents the formation of blood clots that may cause a stroke.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
There is a small sac-like extension of the upper part of your heart or the left atrium known as the left atrial appendage. An Atrial fibrillation Phoenix patient has a blood pool in the left atrial appendage that can lead to blood clot formation. This clot can travel through the body and may cause a stroke.
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Atrial Fibrillation Closure
The WATCHMAN Device is a permanent heart implant that closes off the left atrial appendage making it a one-of-a-kind alternative to taking blood thinner medication like warfarin to prevent a stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Are you a good candidate for it?
If your answer to the below questions is a Yes, you could be a good candidate for the WATCHMAN Device Implantation Phoenix, AZ:
- Are you a patient of atrial fibrillation which is not caused by a problem in the heart valve?
- Have you been prescribed a blood thinner for your atrial fibrillation?
- Do you have a history of bleeding due to the intake of blood thinners?
- Does your job or lifestyle put you at the risk of serious bleeding?
- Do you take coumadin but have issues with your treatment and there is no alternative blood thinner that can be prescribed to you?
- Due to the above, are you seeking a long-term alternative to blood thinners?
The WATCHMAN Procedure
The WATCHMAN device implantation is a one-time procedure. It is a permanent heart implant and does not require any replacement. For the heart implant procedure, your surgeon will make an incision in your upper leg for the insertion of a small tube. This is then used to guide the WATCHMAN device into your heart’s left atrial appendage.
Your permanent heart implant Phoenix, AZ procedure is performed under general anesthesia and may take about an hour. Most patients will stay overnight at the hospital after the procedure and will be able to return to their normal routine shortly.
Will you get coverage?
Your WATCHMAN device implantation procedure is covered by Medicare under certain criteria of national coverage. You will also find several commercial insurers covering this heart implant procedure today.
What to expect before and after your heart implant Phoenix, AZ procedure.
Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate for the WATCHMAN device implantation, you would need to undergo a CT scan or transesophageal echocardiogram. This is to rule out the presence of any existing clots, and, also to ensure that the appendage will be compatible with the shape and size of the WATCHMAN device available. In case any clots are detected, your doctor will first treat them with blood thinners.
After your WATCHMAN implantation procedure, you can expect extended follow-up and support from our team. There may be another transesophageal echocardiogram 45 days and 12 months after your surgery. This is done to ensure that your implanted device is working as expected and your left atrial appendage continues to be closed. The makers of the WATCHMAN device, Boston Scientific, have reported that it has a proven success record of 98.8%.
Enhance your quality of life
Dr. Beshai offers this groundbreaking minimally invasive heart implant procedure to his patients. With the WATCHMAN device implantation in Phoenix, AZ, it is possible to reduce the risk of a stroke due to blood clots and with time, discontinue your warfarin/ blood thinner therapy. Enhance the quality of your life today by scheduling your consultation and learning more about this alternative procedure for atrial fibrillation.
Dr. Beshai is a board-certified electrophysiologist internationally renowned and respected for his expertise and research. Having published in major medical journals and travelled all over the world to present research, he is dedicated to providing innovative, state-of-the-art care to his patients.