stop the Warfarin??

There is a procedure called "Watchman L.A.A." They enter your left atrium by going thru your right atrium and into your left atrium apendage (L.A.A.) That is where blood may clot, thereby maybe giving you a stroke. They inflate a double shaped parachute, then cut loose and back out of your body they same way they got in---thru a hose down your throat.
Skin then grows over the parachute and the blood now has no way to acumulate in that cavity. Sounds neat because you no longer have to swallow Rat-Poison.

Anyone out there ever had it done?? My Doctor says I would be a perfect patient for the operation---I am 82 years young.
I would like to stop my Warfarin.
Clarence

5 Comments

FDA Approval

by ebfox - 2013-05-01 10:05:11

Hi Clarence,

You might want to Google "Watchman device issues" and read about some of the ongoing studies for this device. The FDA has not approved it in the US and from what I read, it may or may not be approved.

Have you considered an alternative blood thinner such as Xarelto?

E. B.

cannot Take Alternatives

by lkayh - 2013-05-02 02:05:03

I am 56 with a St Jude PM, subclavian steal syndrome (right arm) and White Matter Disease (brain - vascular). I have also been advised I would be a great candidate for the Watchman device. I was told the study has been going on for about 9 years. FDA almost approved it but wanted a bit more time since the device has been modified. I need to get off Warfarin and cannot take Xarelto since it can also cause internal hemmoraging. Anyone with more info on the success or failure of the device is appreciated. I have great respect for my cardiologist but would still like to hear from others who have the device. Thanks so much!

Cannot Take Alternatives more

by lkayh - 2013-05-02 02:05:57

Sorry I forgot to include my user name.

Lkayh

Operation Video

by clarencio - 2013-05-02 04:05:38

If anyone would like to watch the procedure, on a Video,
of this "Watchman" operation---go to---
www.Bostonscientific.com/watchman-eu
FDA approved or not, it will be soon, why wait?
They have been doing it for over 12 years with very little
problems.
clarence

Not approved in the US

by Jax - 2013-05-02 12:05:48

I know that it's been approved in England but its in trials in the US. Some really good results. Spoke to EP about it and he's in favor of it. So stay tuned -- good things are coming down the pike.

You know you're wired when...

Bad hair days can be blamed on your device shorting out.

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