WATCHMAN Device Offers Alternative to Common Blood Thinner

Share with Friends

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.

0 0 votes
Article Rating

Share with Friends

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”

  1. Cindy Moore Avatar
    Cindy Moore

    You provide such great info! I’m blessed that I’m not on any type of meds.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Thanks Cindy! I am glad you are med free as well.

  2. Santana Avatar
    Santana

    What a great resource!

  3. Jill DeMasi Avatar
    Jill DeMasi

    I like hearing about new technology that offers an alternative to meds!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Thank you for stopping by Jill!

  4. Danielle Ardizzone Avatar
    Danielle Ardizzone

    Sounds like a good treatment option to those who qualify.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Thank you Danielle, we are excited to see people get the help they need.

  5. Leeandra Avatar
    Leeandra

    Oh wow, Ive never heard of this before. Great information.

  6. Kendra Avatar
    Kendra

    I’ve never heard of this. Such fascinating medical technology!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      We are excited to help introduce it to the market!

  7. Suzan Avatar
    Suzan

    Interesting! A great option for those who may need an alternative!

  8. sandi Avatar
    sandi

    The new scientific advances are making our lives so much easier, allowing us to live longer and better lives.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Absolutely! The WATCHMAN offers a great alternative. Thanks Sandi!

  9. Sara Avatar
    Sara

    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.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Thanks Sara. I am glad to hear it was not a long term situation.

  10. Guy Guyton Avatar
    Guy Guyton

    Wow, can definitely think of a few people who could benefit from this.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Awesome news! I am so glad to know that more people will be finding out there is an alternative.

  11. heather Avatar
    heather

    Fantastic information. Being in the medical device industry, I love reading about new devices and advances being made in the medical community.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      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.

  12. Debbie Avatar
    Debbie

    Interesting! Nice that there are options!!

  13. Douglas Jasper Avatar
    Douglas Jasper

    Thank you for sharing this. It is very educational.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Thank you for stopping by, Douglas. I am glad it was helpful.

  14. Christina Furnival Avatar
    Christina Furnival

    That’s great that there’s an alternative to traditional blood thinner!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Yes! It will be a great choice for many who are on blood thinners.

  15. Cas Avatar
    Cas

    Interesting. Would be a good alternative!

  16. Alexis Farmer Avatar
    Alexis Farmer

    This is an awesome alternative! Blood thinners have so many consequences

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Agreed! I hope this will help many who are struggling with their medication.

  17. Amy Avatar
    Amy

    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!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      That is so true Amy. This is a great solution for folks who are looking for solutions to blood thinners.

  18. Chelsea Avatar
    Chelsea

    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.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Yes! The WATCHMAN is definitely an awesome solution for folks with AFib.

  19. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    Thanks for the info. I hadn’t heard of this before.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      You’re welcome, Melissa!

  20. Lisa Manderino Avatar
    Lisa Manderino

    My dad could probably really benefit from this! I will let him know!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Awesome! Have him check out the questionnaire!

  21. Kristin Avatar
    Kristin

    I definitely have never heard of this. My mom is one of the many seniors that might be able to benefit from it.

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Many people struggle with blood thinners. Have her check out the questionnaire.

  22. Sabrina DeWalt Avatar
    Sabrina DeWalt

    Good information on an alternative.

  23. Holly Avatar
    Holly

    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!

    1. Tricia Snow Avatar

      Awesome, Holly! There is a helpful questionnaire in the article to help determine if it is a good fit!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Affiliate disclosure
Posts may contain affiliate links that pay us a small commission to help support the cost of my site and are at no additional cost to you. We will only promote the products and services we love.  Thank you, our readers, for supporting us. See my Privacy Policy here. 

This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site.

Buy me a coffeeBuy me a coffee
Recent Media for Born to Be Boomers

Join the Tribe so you can get all of our articles!


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

46
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x