This post was sponsored by Boston Scientific as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. All opinions expressed in my post are 100% my own.
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation? The Boston Scientific WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device offers a solution for many who need an alternative to lifelong use of blood thinners. Atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem (or non-valvular AFib) often requires the use of blood thinners for stroke risk reduction. Blood thinners can put the patient at risk for bleeding. If you are like me, you have a loved one who suffers from AFib, and you know blood thinners are not an ideal solution.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat), affecting more than 5 million Americans today. People with AFib typically have a five times greater risk of suffering from a stroke than someone who has a regular heartbeat.1 As I move further into my 50’s, more and more of my friends are experiencing this issue, and living their lives differently because there was no alternative to blood thinners. Until now!
The Boston Scientific WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device is a permanent device alternative to warfarin, a common blood thinner, for those with non-valvular AFib who need one. It not reduces the risk of stroke and helps most people discontinue and stop worrying about the risks and challenges associated with blood thinners.
Patients Are Not Taking Their Blood Thinners As They Should
92% of patients with AFib would consider a one-time procedure that would allow them to discontinue blood thinners and the risks and lifestyle challenges associated with them, according to a recent Harris survey by Boston Scientific of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
- The vast majority of patients surveyed (82%) have never heard of the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device.
- Of those who would consider the procedure:
- 74% want to reduce their risk of complications (like bleeding) caused by blood thinners
- 56% would prefer to not take blood thinners everyday/have to remember to take blood thinners every day
- 37% believe the device may give them greater flexibility to do the things they want to do in their daily life
In addition, the WATCHMAN device allows patients the freedom from food and drink restrictions that come from using blood thinners. WATCHMAN can eliminate the need for regular blood tests and most patients are able to stop their blood thinners within 45 days from the date of implantation. The patients regain their freedom!
100,000 Devices Worldwide
WATCHMAN could be the long-term solution you are looking for. As an alternative to blood thinners, this one-time procedure significantly reduces the risk of stroke as well as any bleeding concerns that blood thinners can bring. WATCHMAN is the only FDA-approved device alternative to warfarin proven to reduce stroke risk in people with non-valvular AFib who need another option
Is The WATCHMAN Device Right for You?
If you have atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem then the next step is finding out if the WATCHMAN device is right for you. You can fill out a questionnaire here to see if you might be a candidate.
The next step is talking to your cardiologist about your options. Be sure to let your cardiologist know of any bleeding concerns from falls or accidents. They have the knowledge to know if WATCHMAN device is right for you, and can discuss the benefits and risks of this option, including internal bleeding, stroke and others.
1 January CT, Wann LS, Alpert JS, et al. 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on practice guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation. 2014 Dec 2;130(23):e199-267. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000041. Epub 2014 Mar 28. No abstract available. Erratum in: Circulation. 2014 Dec 2;130(23):e272-4.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any product(s) on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Always consult a licensed health care professional before starting any supplement or nutraceutical. Especially if you are pregnant or have any pre-existing medical conditions. Individual results may vary. These are from my own experience and the experience of others and only our opinions.
46 responses to “WATCHMAN Device Offers Alternative to Common Blood Thinner”
You provide such great info! I’m blessed that I’m not on any type of meds.
Thanks Cindy! I am glad you are med free as well.
What a great resource!
Thanks Santana
I like hearing about new technology that offers an alternative to meds!
Thank you for stopping by Jill!
Sounds like a good treatment option to those who qualify.
Thank you Danielle, we are excited to see people get the help they need.
Oh wow, Ive never heard of this before. Great information.
Thank you Leendra!
I’ve never heard of this. Such fascinating medical technology!
We are excited to help introduce it to the market!
Interesting! A great option for those who may need an alternative!
Thanks Suzan!
The new scientific advances are making our lives so much easier, allowing us to live longer and better lives.
Absolutely! The WATCHMAN offers a great alternative. Thanks Sandi!
I was on blood thinners for over a year and I can definitely relate to not wanting to have to go through the hoops that it takes to keep your medication regulated. This sounds like a great alternative to being on blood thinners for life.
Thanks Sara. I am glad to hear it was not a long term situation.
Wow, can definitely think of a few people who could benefit from this.
Awesome news! I am so glad to know that more people will be finding out there is an alternative.
Fantastic information. Being in the medical device industry, I love reading about new devices and advances being made in the medical community.
Thank you Heather! I definitely wanted to get the word out on this device. Improving the quality of life is so important as we age.
Interesting! Nice that there are options!!
Thank you, Debbie!
Thank you for sharing this. It is very educational.
Thank you for stopping by, Douglas. I am glad it was helpful.
That’s great that there’s an alternative to traditional blood thinner!
Yes! It will be a great choice for many who are on blood thinners.
Interesting. Would be a good alternative!
Thanks Cas!
This is an awesome alternative! Blood thinners have so many consequences
Agreed! I hope this will help many who are struggling with their medication.
This is great info to have and be able to share with others who could benefit from this. The heart is nothing to play around with!
That is so true Amy. This is a great solution for folks who are looking for solutions to blood thinners.
Wow. From what I’ve seen with blood thinners, the have some substantial risks. The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device definitely seems like an option worth considering.
Yes! The WATCHMAN is definitely an awesome solution for folks with AFib.
Thanks for the info. I hadn’t heard of this before.
You’re welcome, Melissa!
My dad could probably really benefit from this! I will let him know!
Awesome! Have him check out the questionnaire!
I definitely have never heard of this. My mom is one of the many seniors that might be able to benefit from it.
Many people struggle with blood thinners. Have her check out the questionnaire.
Good information on an alternative.
Thanks Sabrina!
Tricia, thank you for sharing this information. Right now my brother is struggling with this I am going to share this with him so he can ask his doctor about this!
Awesome, Holly! There is a helpful questionnaire in the article to help determine if it is a good fit!