Implanting a Watchman in the Brain

You may have heard about implanting a watchman in the brain. But what are the procedures involved? What are the risks and costs? What are the criteria for eligibility? This article answers these questions and much more. Whether you are a good candidate for the procedure will depend on your specific situation. Here are the most common questions patients ask about the implanted watchman. If you're interested in having one, read on to learn more.

Procedures for implanting watchman

The WATCHMAN is an electronic device that can permanently close the LAA, which is a small pouch in the upper left chamber of the heart. This device helps prevent strokes, as 90% of all clot-related strokes originate in the LAA. The device, manufactured by Boston Scientific Corp., was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in March 2015. More than 15,000 patients in 50 countries have already received the implant.

The procedure for the WATCHMAN is performed in a catheterization lab under general anesthesia. A small catheter is inserted into the femoral vein in the upper thigh and guided to the heart. The Watchman device is then delivered through the catheter under x-ray and ultrasound guidance. The procedure typically takes one hour. Afterward, patients must stay overnight at the hospital. A physician will give patients medication instructions before the procedure.

Risks of implanting watchman

Although the procedure is considered minimally invasive, there are some risks associated with the procedure. Patients may experience bruising, swelling, soreness, or tenderness, although these symptoms should resolve in a few days. A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) may be performed prior to the Watchman implant to confirm compatibility. Some patients may need to take blood thinners after the Watchman implant.

Another possible risk of the WATCHMAN procedure is that it can cause a rupture of the left atrial appendage (LAA), a thin walled structure that can be vulnerable to pressure from the device. If the LAA ruptures, patients may need emergency heart surgery. In addition, catheter access sites, which are usually located in the upper leg, may become infected. Patients should be monitored for a few days after the procedure to ensure healing and take aspirin to reduce the risk of infection.

Cost of implanting watchman

Before undergoing a WATCHMAN procedure, you will need to have a TEE imaging test to see if you are a candidate for this surgery. Then, your doctor will implant the Watchman device, which opens and closes like an umbrella. It generally takes about one hour to perform, and you will be sedated. The procedure is covered by Medicare, but other insurances may require prior authorization. If you are unsure, contact your healthcare provider's office for more information. Once the procedure is completed, you will need to stay in the hospital for about a night.

The costs of implanting a Watchman device can be high, but it is worth considering your medical history before proceeding. Some hospitals charge up to $60,000 for the procedure, while others charge up to $13,000, according to Boston Scientific. This device is designed to monitor heart rhythm and help patients avoid complications related to high blood pressure. While this isn't an affordable procedure, it may be the only one for you. You may even have a family history of heart disease or diabetes.

Eligibility criteria for implanting watchman

The WATCHMAN Implant is a small metallic frame with a fabric covering. It is made of nitinol, which is also used in cardiac implants. The frame is attached to the patient's heart with tiny sutures. It is possible to undergo MRI scans and metal detectors if the patient meets the requirements listed on the patient's implant card. The implant is designed to protect against strokes and manage associated risks.

There are many pros and cons to this procedure, but some people may not be able to tolerate the blood-thinning medications. It's important to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. It's also important to consider any occupational hazards that may cause you to have excess bleeding. A WATCHMAN device may not be the best option for every patient. You should discuss the procedure with your doctor before it is performed.