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The LAAC Choice
"It's peace of mind. It's just such a good feeling."
Marjorie Giovannoni, WATCHMAN recipient
Why FLX LAAC?
WATCHMAN FLX may be a life-changing alternative to the lifelong use of Vitamin K Antagonist. In a one-time procedure, WATCHMAN effectively reduces the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem.1
As a permanent implant, WATCHMAN FLX doesn’t come with the same bleeding risks associated with the long-term use of Vitamin K Antagonist.2 This makes it an important option for people with a history or risk of serious bleeding on blood thinners. Newer blood thinners (also known as novel oral anticoagulant drugs) offer additional options to Vitamin K Antagonist, but they don’t take away the long-term risk of bleeding.1
Who WATCHMAN FLX Is For
The WATCHMAN FLX Implant may be right for people who meet the following criteria:
- They have atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem (also known as non-valvular AF)
- They are at high risk of bleeding or they have experienced bleeding
- They have contraindication or intolerance to oral anticoagulants
As with any medical procedure, there are risks involved with WATCHMAN FLX. See the Important Safety Information below for a list of possible complications, and ask your cardiologist about the risks and benefits of WATCHMAN FLX.
Who Is WATCHMAN FLX Not For?
People who should not receive the WATCHMAN FLX Implant include but are not limited to those who:
- Should not or cannot undergo heart catheterization procedures
- Have a left atrial appendage that is too large or too small to fit the WATCHMAN FLX Implant
Ask your cardiologist if any of these conditions apply to you.
The WATCHMAN FLX Alternative
Get a quick guide on WATCHMAN FLX that you can share with your doctor or loved one.
WATCHMAN FLX is for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem who need an alternative to oral anticoagulants. This website is intended to provide patients and caregivers with some information about the WATCHMAN FLX Implant. It may help prepare you for talking to your doctor about your options for reducing stroke risk.
Important Safety Information
The WATCHMAN and WATCHMAN FLX 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 WATCHMAN™ and WATCHMAN FLX Closure Devices, 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 WATCHMAN and WATCHMAN FLX Devices.
CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings and instructions for use can be found in the product labeling supplied with each device. Information for the use only in countries with applicable health authority product registrations.
Content of this website is for Information Purposes only and not meant for product promotion or medical diagnostic. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation or warranty regarding this information or its completeness, accuracy or timeliness.
Accordingly, Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health or to address any questions.
References
- National Stroke Association. Making the Afib-Stroke Connection. https://www.stroke.org/sites/default/files/resources/Afib-Connection%20for%20hcp.pdf. Published 2012. Accessed September 1, 2016.
- Holmes DR Jr, Kar S, Price MJ, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;64(1):1-12.
- Holmes DR Jr, Doshi SK, Kar S, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2015;65(24):2614-2623.
- Price MJ, Reddy VY, Valderrábano M, et al. JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2015;8(15):1925-1932.