WATCMAN Recovery

One time. For a lifetime.

The WATCHMAN Implant is placed into your heart in a one-time procedure. It’s a permanent implant that doesn’t have to be replaced and can’t be seen outside the body. After you receive your WATCHMAN Implant, you will recover in the hospital, typically for a day or less. The procedure is generally done under general anesthesia. It’s important to keep all follow-up visits as instructed by your doctor.

45 days after your implant

Following the WATCHMAN Implant procedure, you will be prescribed a drug regimen most appropriate for you. Discuss with your doctor to fully understand your medications and do not make changes without confirming with your doctor first.

You may have follow-up appointments at 45 days and 6 months after your procedure. During this time, your heart tissue will grow over the implant to form a permanent barrier against blood clots. Your doctor will monitor this process by taking pictures of your heart. They may adjust your medications at these appointments.

12 months after your implant

About 12 months after your WATCHMAN Implant, your doctor may schedule another TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram) to check on the device and make sure that your left atrial appendage (LAA) is sealed. Learn more about what to expect from the WATCHMAN Implant.

Find out more about the WATCHMAN Implant

WATCHMAN Implant Card

Whether you’re going away for the weekend or running a quick errand, it’s important to carry your WATCHMAN Implant Card with you at all times. Your WATCHMAN Implant Card contains your name, your doctor’s name and phone number, and the model numbers of your implant. In an emergency, the card will alert medical and security personnel that you have an implanted device.

Registering your implant card

On the day of your procedure, you will receive your WATCHMAN Implant Card. If you did not receive a card or need a new one, please call 1-855-637-9428. You can register your WATCHMAN Implant Card and receive a new card if it is lost at the link below. Registration is not required.

Regular follow-up visits

It’s important to maintain all follow-up visits, even if you’re feeling well. These appointments will help your doctor check your device and overall health on a regular basis.

Like blood thinners, the WATCHMAN Implant does not cure AFib. You will need to continue to meet with your doctor to monitor and treat your AFib.

When to call a doctor

Your doctor will provide guidelines for when you should contact him or her. In general, call your doctor if you:

Have any pain
Experience any side effects from your medication, including bleeding, headaches, nausea, vomiting or rash
Miss taking or change the dosage of your medication
Make any lifestyle changes

Find a WATCHMAN Medical Center

Whether traveling or at home, find a facility that treats patients with WATCHMAN Implants.

Find a WATCHMAN medical center

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.

Recovering from your procedure