The Permanent Alternative
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) -- one of the most common heart rhythm problems -- causes a fast, irregular heartbeat in the heart’s upper chambers. AFib can lead to clots inside the heart. The average person with AFib is five times more likely to suffer a stroke than someone with a normal heartbeat.
The WATCHMAN™ Device can help people reduce their risk for strokes caused by AFib. This permanent implant closes off part of the heart where blood clots usually form. Patients need to undergo one minimally invasive procedure that takes about an hour. And don’t worry about changes to your lifestyle. The WATCHMAN™ Device – about the size of a quarter – allows patients to avoid long time blond thinners (anticoagulants) and can reduce long term bleeding risk.
Award-Winning Cardiology Services
You and your family can feel confident at the care you’ll receive at Lee Health. Our friendly staff takes pride in offering non-surgical options to make you more comfortable. HealthPark Medical Center is one of only three facilities in Florida to be named an IBM Watson Health top performing cardiovascular hospital – and we’ve won it four years in a row.
Why The WATCHMAN™ Device
A WATCHMAN™ Device can:
- Reduce your risk of stroke related to blood clots
- Eliminate having to use blood thinners for life
- Eliminate frequent blood tests related to Warfarin
- Eliminate food-and-drink restrictions caused by Warfarin
In a clinical trail, 9 out of 10 people stopped taking Warfarin (or any other kind of blood thinners) just 45 days after getting a WATCHMAN™ Device.
Is the WATCHMAN™ Device right for you?
So how do you know if the WATCHMAN™ Device is right for you? You may be a candidate if you answer YES to the following questions:
- Do you have a history of bleeding or have a lifestyle, occupation, or condition that puts you at risk for bleeding?
- Do you have atrial fibrillation that isn’t caused by a heart valve problem?
- Has your doctor recommended a blood thinner for your AFib?
- Can you take Warfarin (or any other kind of blood thinners) in the short term but need an alternative to long-term blood thinners?
If you think this describes you, then talk to your cardiologist about the WATCHMAN™ Device.
Meet the experts who perform the WATCHMAN procedure in Fort Myers, Florida.
Press click 'show more' for all physicians.
Dr. Anuj Agarwal, MD is a Cardiology Specialist in Fort Myers, FL who also performs the WATCHMAN procedure. Dr. Agarwal is affiliated with Lee Memorial Health Systems and Gulf Coast Medical Center.
Request information about the WATCHMAN™ Implant in Fort Myers, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions About The WATCHMAN™
Who is eligible to receive the WATCHMAN™ implant procedure?
The WATCHMAN™ Device is now advised for people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who may benefit from anticoagulant medication therapy due to an elevated risk of stroke.
For people looking for a long-term, non-pharmacological treatment option, the WATCHMAN™ Device is intended as an alternative to Warfarin medication. For every patient, the effects of the device and treatment should be contrasted with those taking Warfarin medication.
How is the procedure performed?
The WATCHMAN™ Access Sheath is used to put the WATCHMAN™ Device into the left atrial appendage aperture. The Access Sheath allows for catheter access into the left atrial appendage and is available in three different curvatures to accommodate the patient.
The frame and mesh covering of the WATCHMAN™ implant are then expanded to fit the dimensions of the left atrial aperture before being implanted via the catheter.
Your Lee Health surgeon can answer any more questions you may have about the procedure and if it's right for you.
You've been approved for WATCHMAN™, what's next?
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Getting the WATCHMAN™
At Lee Health, we know every patient is different, but your Watchman™ implant should allow you to live a full, active life. Your expert Lee Health physician will take the time to answer your questions and find the best treatment option available.
Our Structural Heart Program specializes in conducting comprehensive evaluations for cardiology care for
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LPG Cardiology - HealthPark Medical Center
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LPG Cardiology - Coconut Point
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LPG Cardiology - Bass Road
Related to The WATCHMAN™ Implant
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Atrial Fibrillation
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Cardiac Rehabilitation
We provide a comprehensive plan of exercise and education after a heart attack so you can take charge of your health and live a full and active life. Cardiac rehabilitation near me in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Estero.
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Cardiovascular Services
Our expert cardiovascular team is the largest and most experienced in Southwest Florida. No matter where you are in your health care journey, our experts are alongside you every step of the way. Click here to learn more about Lee Health Cardiovascular Services.
The Latest Blog Articles and Podcasts
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Health Hub
The Most Common Condition: How to Stay on Top of Atrial Fibrillation
It's the most common type of heart arrhythmia in the U.S., and the number is expected to increase. Here's what you can do about A-Fib.
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Health Hub
How Does The Watchman Device for AFib Reduce Stroke Risk?
Many people in Southwest Florida deal with symptoms of A-Fib. Now, a new treatment called the Watchman Device may help reduce A-Fib patients' risk for stroke.
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HeartBeats: Shipley Cardiothoracic Center Podcasts
HeartBeats Episode 2: Atrial Fibrillation (Part 2) Surgical Treatment for Afib
Join and listen as Dr. Paul DiGiorgi discusses the surgical management of atrial fibrillation in this second part of our afib series.