Left Atrial Appendage Closure (Watchman)

AFib & Stroke Risk

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) makes your risk of stroke five times higher. That’s because blood pools and forms clots in your heart’s left atrial appendage (LAA). Those clots can move to an artery that supplies blood to your brain, causing a stroke. Blood thinners make a stroke less likely, but they raise the risk of bleeding.

What to Expect

This non-surgical treatment takes place at CentraCare – St. Cloud Hospital. Your cardiologist chooses either the Watchman or Amulet device based on the size and shape of your LAA. To place the device, the doctor inserts a catheter (thin tube) into a blood vessel. The catheter carries the device up to your heart and places it there. Then, your doctor withdraws the tube. You won’t have an incision in your chest.

Technology Makes Treatment Safer

Ask your cardiologist if your Watchman procedure will use EchoPixel’s 4D hologram technology. It guides device placement without contrast dye, which can harm the kidneys. CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center was the first in the world to use the technology.

As a designated research site for Watchman™ or Amulet™, you will be able to access groundbreaking left atrial appendage treatments right here in Minnesota, oftentimes before widely available elsewhere.

Recovery

LAA closure usually takes less than an hour and requires a 24-hour hospital stay. Your doctor will tell you when you may stop blood-thinners or reduce your dose. After the procedure, most people use antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and Plavix). Patients typically take aspirin for life and Plavix for around six months.