Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke
What is the connection between AFib and stroke?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib)* is a heart condition. The two upper chambers of the heart quiver. This condition can cause blood clots to form. The blood clots form in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA). If a blood clot forms here, it can travel through an artery to the brain and cause a stroke. Some people have AFib that is not caused by a heart valve problem. These people are said to have non-valvular AFib.
People with AFib have a five‑times greater risk for stroke than people with normal heart rhythms.1
Understanding the WATCHMAN FLX™ Pro Implant
The WATCHMAN Implant procedure
To begin the procedure, your doctor makes a small cut in your upper leg. The doctor then inserts a narrow tube.
Your doctor guides the WATCHMAN Implant through the tube into your left atrial appendage (LAA).
The procedure is typically done under general anesthesia. You’ll be asleep and won’t feel any pain. Many patients who get the WATCHMAN Implant stay in the hospital for a day or less.
After the procedure, your own heart tissue will grow over the WATCHMAN Implant. This tissue will form a barrier against blood clots.
Managing your stroke risk with the WATCHMAN Implant
Blood thinners are an effective way to lower the risk of stroke. Many people with non-valvular AFib use blood thinners to lower their risk. But blood thinners can come with challenges and a higher risk of bleeding.
The WATCHMAN Implant is for people with non-valvular AFib who need another option to reduce their stroke risk. The WATCHMAN Implant lowers the risk of stroke by closing off the LAA. This prevents blood clots from forming in this part of the heart and causing a stroke.
* “AFib” and “atrial fibrillation” refer to atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem.
1. Clark L, Watkins L, Pina IL, et al. Increasing diversity in clinical trials: overcoming critical barriers. Curr Probl Cariol. 2019;44:148–172.
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WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure Implant
Important Safety Information
The WATCHMAN FLX and WATCHMAN FLX Pro Devices are permanent implants designed to close the left atrial appendage in the heart in an effort to reduce the risk of stroke.
With all medical procedures there are risks associated with the implant procedure and the use of the device. The risks include but are not limited to accidental heart puncture, air embolism, allergic reaction, anemia, anesthesia risks, arrhythmias, AV (Arteriovenous) fistula, bleeding or throat pain from the TEE (Trans Esophageal Echo) probe, blood clot or air bubbles in the lungs or other organs, bruising at the catheter insertion site, clot formation on the device, cranial bleed, excessive bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, groin puncture bleed, hypotension, infection/pneumonia, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, pulmonary vein obstruction, renal failure, stroke, thrombosis and transient ischemic attack. In rare cases death can occur.
Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of the device.