The Saint Francis Heart and Vascular Institute offers a procedure that helps prevent a stroke in some patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (A-fib). This procedure, called WATCHMAN™, aids in stroke prevention for those with A-fib, who are unable to take anticoagulants. This procedure provides patients with an alternative to using long-term blood thinners.

What is WATCHMAN™?

WATCHMAN™ is a percutaneous left atrial appendage ligation that closes off the heart's left atrial appendage to keep harmful blood clots from entering the blood stream, potentially causing a stroke.

Why is WATCHMAN™ Important?

Patients with A-fib are considered high risk for stroke due to blood clots that can form in the left atrial appendage (an unnecessary appendage that protrudes from the upper chamber of the heart). Most patients with A-fib should be on an anticoagulant to aid them in preventing a stroke. However, some patients are unable to successfully take these medications. WATCHMAN™ allows cardiologists to block the left atrial appendage in these patients, thus decreasing their risk of stroke.

Who is Eligible for WATCHMAN™?

Patients considered for this procedure are:

• diagnosed with A-fib and
• unable to take anticoagulant medication.

What are the Benefits of WATCHMAN™?

This procedure offers A-fib patients another method of defense against stroke. Other benefits include:

• no major incision;
• brief recovery time; and
• protection from stroke to the same degree that patients would have if they were able to take an anticoagulant.

Learn More about Stroke Prevention 

To learn more about the WATCHMAN™ procedure, ask your physician or call Saint Francis valve program coordinator at 918-494-2464.

The Saint Francis Health System doctors and staff are committed to your stroke health. Learn more about stroke prevention and stroke care at Saint Francis. Please call the Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688 with any questions you may have.