WatchmanTM, a new treatment to prevent stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib)
A new alternative to blood thinners
Atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat, is among the leading causes of stroke in the United States. The WatchmanTM procedure, a new treatment option approved by the FDA, can reduce the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib). Watchman, a surgical procedure which includes the implantation of a device, is good news for the millions of people affected by AFib, whose stroke risk is four to five times higher compared to the general population. Treatment with Watchman might prevent approximately 750,000 annual hospitalizations due to strokes related to AFib. Preventing the disability associated with stroke is imperative, especially since strokes caused by AFib tend to be more severe than those that are attributed to other causes. Plus, with the increase in the population of aging boomers, the number of AFib-related stroke victims is expected to rise significantly. According to Dr. Robert J. Cubeddu, Chairman of the Department of Cardiology at Cleveland Clinic Florida, AFib is very common among patients over 65 years of age, and is therefore prevalent in South Florida, a retirement hub. Most patients with AFib are currently taking blood thinners also known as anticoagulants. “Blood thinners are required for a lifetime, and their use is often limited by their side-effects, and the need for regular bloodwork and strict adherence to medication protocols,” said Dr. Cubeddu. “In addition to those side-effects, several studies have suggested that up to 40 percent of patients with AFib are poor candidates for the blood thinners due to a history of internal bleeding, a diagnosis of peptic ulcer or cancer, or even a risk for falls.” In other words, many people with AFib need new treatment options. “Studies have consistently shown an equivalent reduction in overall stroke rates after a Watchman procedure, and perhaps a long-term marginal survival benefit when compared to blood thinners,” said Dr. Cubeddu. “It’s an important new option for our patients.” The Watchman procedure takes about one hour, is performed through a catheter and requires only a local anesthetic. The Watchman device is used to close the left atrial appendage where 90 to 95 percent of the clots form in patients with non-valvular AFib. The risk of the procedure is low, and patients typically go home the morning after the procedure. Currently, Watchman is the only approved interventional treatment for closure of the left atrial appendage for stroke prevention. Aside from the reduction in stroke, the major advantage of the Watchman procedure is the ability of the patient to stop taking blood thinners permanently.