WATCHMAN™ for Patients with AFib

Learn whether the WATCHMAN™ procedure may be an option for reducing stroke risk without the lifelong use of blood thinners. Available at Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center.

If you have atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem, you may be at increased risk for stroke. While blood thinners are commonly prescribed to reduce that risk, they are not the right choice for everyone.

The WATCHMAN™ procedure is a minimally invasive treatment option for certain patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib). The device is designed to close off the left atrial appendage (LAA), an area of the heart associated with clot formation in people with AFib.

Palm Beach Health Network offers the WATCHMAN program at:

• Delray Medical Center
• Good Samaritan Medical Center
• Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center

Do You Have AFib?

You may be a candidate for WATCHMAN if you:

• Have atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem
• Have been advised to take blood thinners to reduce stroke risk
• Have concerns about long-term blood thinner use
• Have experienced bleeding complications or have a lifestyle that makes blood thinners challenging

Every patient is different. A consultation with a heart specialist can help determine whether WATCHMAN is appropriate for your condition and treatment goals.

How WATCHMAN Works

The WATCHMAN device is implanted through a catheter inserted in a vein in the leg. Once in place, it permanently closes off the left atrial appendage (LAA), helping prevent blood clots from entering the bloodstream and potentially causing a stroke.

Potential Benefits

• Treatment option for certain patients with non-valvular AFib
• Minimally invasive procedure
• No open-heart surgery required
• Short hospital stay for most patients (recovery expectations will vary by patient)
• Opportunity for many patients to stop taking long-term blood thinners, if deemed appropriate by their physician*
  *(Treatment options should be discussed with your physician based on your individual medical needs)

Speak with a Cardiovascular Patient Navigator

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