Watchman surgery is a type of operation that can help prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib). It involves placing a small device in the heart to close off a part that can cause blood clots. In this blog, we’ll explain the Watchman procedure step-by-step.
What is Watchman Surgery?
Watchman surgery offers a modern way to lower stroke risk in patients with AFib without needing long-term blood thinners. During this procedure, cardiologists or electrophysiologists place a Watchman device in the left atrial appendage (LAA), a small pouch in the heart where blood clots often form.
This device works by blocking off the LAA and stopping blood clots from entering the bloodstream. Over time, the body’s tissue grows over the device, permanently sealing the appendage.
How is the Watchman Surgery Performed?
Here’s the step-by-step process of Watchman surgery:
Before the Surgery
On the day of the surgery, wash yourself with the special soap your doctor has given you. Don’t wear deodorant, powder, lotion, makeup, nail polish, or perfume.
You’ll be asked to change into a hospital gown, cap, and slippers. You’ll also get a hospital ID bracelet. A nurse will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. They’ll also put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and medicine.
During the Surgery
You’ll be given medicine through the IV to make you sleep during the surgery. The doctor will numb your groin area and then put a catheter into a blood vessel in your leg. They’ll guide the catheter to your heart and into the LAA.
Before placing the implant, the doctor might do a test called TEE to make sure it’s in the right place. Once in place, the doctor will push the Watchman out of the catheter, where it will open like an umbrella.
The surgery usually takes about an hour and is done under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain.
After the Surgery
After the surgery, you’ll be moved to a recovery room, where nurses will watch you as the medicine wears off. How long you stay in recovery depends on how quickly you wake up. Once you’re in your hospital room, nurses will check your vital signs and pain levels.
Recovery After Watchman Surgery
You’ll likely stay in the hospital overnight after the Watchman procedure. Your nurses will ask you to lie flat to prevent bleeding at the catheter site, and your doctors will monitor you for any complications.
After going home, most people can do their normal things within 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor will probably tell you to avoid hard work for at least a week.
It’s normal to have some mild pain and bruising around the place where the catheter went in for a few days. Call your doctor if you start having any signs of problems, such as:
- Bleeding, temperature changes, or swelling around the catheter site.
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Excessive sweating.
- Fever or chills.
- Nausea or vomiting.
Final Word
If you have atrial fibrillation (AFib) and are at risk of stroke, don’t wait. The Watchman procedure can help prevent strokes.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call Memorial Cardiology Associates at (713) 464-6006 for Memorial City and Bellville, at (281) 398-4944 for Katy West, and at (713) 861-2424 for Greater Heights.