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WATCHMAN™ Implant Device Support

Daily activities

Living life with less risk of stroke

You can live a full and active life with the WATCHMAN Implant. Find general guidelines about resuming activities as you begin the recovery process. Every patient’s situation is unique. So, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to safely resume normal activities after your WATCHMAN Implant procedure.

Three women hiking and taking photographs in the forest 

Post-recovery guidelines

You can gradually return to normal activities, pacing yourself and checking in with your doctor along the way. Be sure to let your doctor know about lifestyle changes before resuming any kind of strenuous physical activity related to work or exercise. 

Returning to work

Most people can return to work within a few days following their WATCHMAN Implant procedure, but be sure to talk to your doctor so they can help guide your recovery process. 

On the move with your implant

Your WATCHMAN Implant will not alert metal detectors, so you can go through security screenings at airports, sporting events, and other public places safely without setting off an alarm.

Following up with your doctor

During recovery, it’s important to keep all follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your progress. Contact your doctor immediately about complications or medication side effects including bleeding, headaches, nausea, vomiting or rash.

 

Have questions about the WATCHMAN Implant?

WATCHMAN Educational Specialists are trained professionals with healthcare experience.

They’re here to help answer your questions. 

Call (855) 637-9428

Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM Central Time

Indications

The WATCHMAN Implant is for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem who need an alternative to blood thinners. This website is intended to provide patients and caregivers with some information about the WATCHMAN Implant. It may help prepare you for talking to your doctor about your options for reducing stroke risk. 

Important Safety Information 

The WATCHMAN and WATCHMAN FLX Devices are permanent implants designed to close the left atrial appendage in the heart in an effort to reduce the risk of stroke. 

With all medical procedures there are risks associated with the implant procedure and the use of the device. The risks include but are not limited to accidental heart puncture, air embolism, allergic reaction, anemia, anesthesia risks, arrhythmias, AV (Arteriovenous) fistula, bleeding or throat pain from the TEE (Trans Esophageal Echo) probe, blood clot or air bubbles in the lungs or other organs, bruising at the catheter insertion site, clot formation on the device, cranial bleed, excessive bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, groin puncture bleed, hypotension, infection/pneumonia, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, pulmonary vein obstruction, renal failure, stroke, thrombosis and transient ischemic attack. In rare cases death can occur. 

Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of the device.