Choosing between WATCHMAN™ and blood thinners is a decision many people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) face. Blood thinners have long been the standard treatment for stroke risk. But they require daily use and carry ongoing bleeding risks. Learning about both options can help you talk through your choices with your cardiologist.
How Blood Thinners Manage AFib-Related Stroke Risk
Blood thinners slow down the body’s clotting process. This helps lower the stroke risk that comes with AFib. You need to take them every day, often for life. Missing doses can quickly weaken their protection and raise your stroke risk.
Common blood thinners for AFib include:
- Warfarin (Coumadin®)
- Apixaban (Eliquis®)
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®)
- Dabigatran (Pradaxa®)
Each medication works a bit differently. Some need regular blood tests, and some interact with certain foods or drugs. Bleeding is an important potential complication of anticoagulant therapy, and each patient’s bleeding risk should be considered alongside their stroke risk.
What Is the WATCHMAN™ Procedure?
The WATCHMAN™ procedure places a one-time, minimally invasive implant. It’s built for people with nonvalvular AFib. A heart specialist closes off the left atrial appendage, a small pocket in the heart. Most AFib-related clots form in this pocket, and closing it off may lower your need for daily blood thinners over time.
Like any implant, the WATCHMAN™ procedure carries risks. These include bleeding, infection, and other device-related issues. Most patients still take blood thinners for a short time after the procedure. This gives heart tissue time to grow over the implant. Your cardiologist can walk you through these in detail.
Comparing Blood Thinners and the WATCHMAN™ Implant
Blood thinners require daily use, and their bleeding risk grows over time. The WATCHMAN™ implant lowers stroke risk through one procedure instead. Studies suggest it works about as well as warfarin for stroke prevention. It may also lower long-term bleeding risk once healing is done. Results can still vary from person to person, so talk to your doctor about the risks of each option.
Who May Be a Candidate for WATCHMAN™?
Doctors often consider WATCHMAN™ for people with nonvalvular AFib who struggle with long-term blood thinner use. This may include a history of bleeding, side effects, or trouble keeping up with daily doses. A cardiologist looks at the following factors:
- Heart structure and appendage size
- Bleeding history and current risk factors
- Other existing health conditions
- Ability to tolerate short-term blood thinners after the procedure
Conclusion
Blood thinners and the WATCHMAN™ implant both aim to lower stroke risk in people with AFib. They just work in different ways. The right choice depends on your health history, bleeding risk, and daily lifestyle. A cardiologist can help you weigh these factors and find what fits best.
If you’re weighing WATCHMAN™ against long-term blood thinners, Heart Care Center of Northwest Houston can help. Schedule a consultation with our cardiology team to talk through your AFib treatment options.