Heart diseases are becoming a growing concern these days. With more and more people experiencing heart problems, there is a pressing need for advanced treatment options. In this context, watchman device have emerged as one of the most innovative technologies in the field of cardiology. These devices are designed to treat atrial fibrillation by blocking the left atrial appendage in the heart. Let’s dive deeper to understand the functionality of the Watchman heart devices and how they can help in overcoming heart-related challenges.
First, let’s take a look at how atrial fibrillation affects the heart. Atrial fibrillation is a condition that arises when the heart’s electrical impulses do not function properly, causing the heart muscles to contract irregularly. This irregularity affects the heart’s pumping ability, leading to the formation of clots in the left atrial appendage (LAA). These clots can migrate to other parts of the body and cause a stroke. This is where the Watchman heart device comes into play.
The Watchman heart device is a one-time, minimally invasive procedure that is designed to block the LAA to prevent clots from forming. During the procedure, the doctor inserts a catheter through a vein in the groin, which is then guided to the heart using X-ray and ultrasound. The Watchman device – which is shaped like a parachute – is inserted into the right atrium and then passed through the septum (the dividing wall between the right and left atria). The device is positioned in the LAA and secured in place. Over time, heart tissue grows over the device, blocking the LAA, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots.
The Watchman heart device has several advantages. Firstly, it reduces the risk of stroke significantly. The LAA is a common site for clot formation, and blocking it with the Watchman device can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 75%. Moreover, the Watchman device reduces the need for anticoagulant or blood-thinning medications, which can cause side effects and are not suitable for everyone.
Another advantage of the Watchman heart device is that it is a permanent solution. Unlike medications that need to be taken regularly and can have side-effects, the Watchman device is inserted just once and provides long-term protection.
However, it is important to note that the Watchman heart device is not suitable for everyone. The procedure requires a thorough evaluation of the patient to determine if they are a good fit for the device. Patients who are allergic to the components in the device or have other conditions that prevent them from undergoing the procedure may not be suitable candidates.
There are also risks associated with the Watchman heart device. The most significant risk is that the device may become dislodged and migrate to other parts of the heart, which can cause serious complications. However, this risk is relatively low and can be mitigated by carefully selecting the patients who undergo the procedure.
Conclusion:
The Watchman heart device is an exciting development in the field of cardiology that provides an alternative to blood-thinning medications for people diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the insertion of a device into the LAA to prevent blood clots from forming. The Watchman device has several advantages, including a significant reduction in the risk of stroke, and the fact that it is a permanent solution. While there are risks associated with the procedure, these are relatively low and can be mitigated by carefully selecting the patients who undergo the procedure. Overall, the Watchman heart device is an excellent option for people diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who are looking for an effective alternative to blood-thinning medications.