Find out if you're a candidate for the WATCHMAN Implant as an alternative to blood thinners.
A safe, minimally-invasive, one-time implant
The WATCHMAN Implant is placed into your heart in a one-time procedure under anesthesia. Patients commonly stay in the hospital for a day or less. It’s a permanent device that doesn’t have to be replaced and can’t be seen or felt outside the body.
To place the WATCHMAN Implant, your doctor makes a small cut in your upper leg and inserts a narrow tube. The WATCHMAN Implant is guided through this tube into the left atrial appendage (LAA) of your heart. After the procedure, your own heart tissue will grow over the device, permanently sealing off the LAA and forming a barrier to blood clots.
Small cut in upper leg
WATCHMAN Implant guided to heart
Stay one day or less
Tissue regrows, LAA sealed
Due to the risk of having a medical procedure, patients should not be considered for the WATCHMAN Implant if they are doing well and expect to continue doing well on blood thinners.
Getting the WATCHMAN Implant
Hear what the procedure is like from people who received the WATCHMAN Implant.
"Now I have no restrictions whatsoever. I can do whatever I want to do. I can walk as much as I want to. I can do anything I want to. So that's a really, really great feeling."
After the procedure
Following the procedure, your doctor will prescribe a medication regimen that is right for you. Typically, this will be one of two options:
Option A
You may be prescribed a short-term blood thinner (anticoagulant), typically for 45 days. Then your doctor may stop blood thinners and put you on an anti-platelet and aspirin until 6 months post-procedure. After that, you’ll continue to take aspirin on an ongoing basis.
Option B
You may be prescribed an anti-platelet medicine called clopidogrel (also known as Plavix®) and aspirin for 6 months. At your 6-month appointment, your doctor may stop the antiplatelet medicine and you’ll continue to take aspirin on an ongoing basis.
These medications are taken until your left atrial appendage is completely closed off. Whichever option is chosen, it’s important that you discuss your medications with your doctor and do not change or modify your medications or dosages unless prescribed by your doctor.
*A typical Medicare patient in 2024 is estimated to pay no more than $2,607. Cost includes: Pre-screen TEE, implant procedure, professional physician fees, and post-implant OAC therapy and TEE.
This material is for informational purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health.