Watchman Device: Current and emerging therapy options for stroke risk reduction

TAKE AWAYS from the Watchman lecture on June 5th at Fogo De Chao by Vaqar Ali, MD

INDICATION:

The WATCHMAN Device is indicated to reduce the risk of thromboembolism from the left atrial appendage in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who:

• Are at increased risk for stroke and systemic embolism based on CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc scores and are recommended for anticoagulation therapy;
• Are deemed by their physicians to be suitable for warfarin; and
• Have an appropriate rationale to seek a non-pharmacologic alternative to warfarin, taking into account the safety and effectiveness of the device compared to warfarin.

1. The Watchman Device does not treat AFIB, it reduces the risk of stroke in non-valvular AFIB patients
2. Inpatient Procedure last approximately 1 hour, patient must tolerate General Anesthesia, patient must spend one night in the hospital
3. WATCHMAN is covered for eligible Medicare patients who meet certain national coverage criteria. It’s also covered by an increasing number of commercial insurers

Watchman offers an alternative to lifelong use of Warfarin – 95% of patients are able to discontinue Warfarin 45 days post implant