The Watchman device is a tiny pouch implanted in the heart to trap blood clots that may form in the left atrial appendage. It is appropriate for people whose atrial fibrillation (AFib) is nonvalvular, meaning it does not involve heart valves. The device is considered as effective as some blood thinners and may be an option Show Full Answer

The Watchman device is a tiny pouch implanted in the heart to trap blood clots that may form in the left atrial appendage. It is appropriate for people whose atrial fibrillation (AFib) is nonvalvular, meaning it does not involve heart valves. The device is considered as effective as some blood thinners and may be an option for those who cannot take blood thinners. It is inserted through a catheter in a vein near the groin. Risks include misplacement of the device, a buildup of blood in the heart, and stroke.

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