MEDICAL SPECIALTIES HEALTH CONDITIONS PRODUCTS REIMBURSEMENT Home About Us Corporate Citizenship News Careers Investors USA HEALTH CONDITIONS Asthma Atrial Arrhythmias Atrial Fibrillation Bradycardia Cardiomyopathy Chronic Pain Congenital Heart Disease Coronary Artery Disease Deep Vein Thrombosis Enteral Feeding Heart Attack Heart Failure Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Long QT Syndrome Peripheral Artery Disease Stress Urinary Incontinence Sudden Cardiac Arrest Ventricular Arrhythmias Health Conditions Atrial Fibrillation A Patient Story Life with WATCHMAN Implant alternative to reduce AF stroke risk. Atrial Fibrillation Description Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart condition where the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat too fast and with chaotic rhythm (fibrillation). This condition can cause blood to pool and form clots in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA). If a blood clot travels through an artery to the brain, it can cause a stroke. People with atrial fibrillation have a much greater risk of stroke.1 See how the WATCHMAN™ Implant reduces AF-related stroke risk. Causes and Risk Factors Atrial fibrillation is caused by an abnormality in your heart's electrical system. The underlying cause of atrial fibrillation varies from person to person. The abnormal electrical signals can result from: Aging Coronary artery disease (CAD) High blood pressure Heart valve disease Heart failure Congenital heart problems (present from birth) Sleep apnea Drinking too much alcohol Symptoms People with atrial fibrillation sometimes suffer from symptoms including palpitations, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, impaired exercise tolerance, and fatigue, which lower their quality of life. However, it is possible to experience atrial fibrillation and feel no symptoms. Diagnosis A reliable way to diagnose AF is to record an electrocardiogram (ECG) during an episode of AF. But AF episodes can be unpredictable, so an ECG recorded at your doctor’s office may appear to be normal. If this happens, your doctor may ask you to wear a portable monitor, such as an event monitor, or a Holter monitor, to record your heart’s electrical signals. Your doctor will then analyze the monitor recordings to determine if you have AF. Treatment A number of treatments are available for AF. Your doctor will help you choose a treatment based on your heart’s rhythm, your symptoms, and any other medical conditions you may have. No matter which AF treatment you receive, the goals may include: Regaining normal heart rhythm Controlling your heart rate Reducing stroke risk The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Implant is a non-drug option to reduce stroke risk for AF patients who are considered suitable for warfarin but have reason to seek an alternative. Atrial fibrillation can cause blood to pool in an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA) If a blood clot travels through an artery to the brain, it can cause a stroke Blood thinners, such as warfarin, can reduce stroke risk, however these medications may not be well tolerated by everyone WATCHMAN LAAC closes off the left atrial appendage to reduce stroke risk Understand how the WATCHMAN Implant works A A Resize Print Share Did You Know? People with atrial fibrillation have a 5X greater risk of stroke.1 Find out why Brochure Understanding Atrial Fibrillation DOWNLOAD BROCHURE SOURCES 1. Holmes, DR et al. Seminars in Neurology, 2010; 30:528–536. WATCHMAN™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device from Boston Scientific The WATCHMAN Device is a permanent implant designed to close the left atrial appendage in the heart in an effort to reduce the risk of stroke. With all medical procedures there are risks associated with the implant procedure and the use of the device. The risks include but are not limited to accidental heart puncture, air embolism, allergic reaction, anemia, anesthesia risks, arrhythmias, AV (Arteriovenous) fistula, bleeding or throat pain from the TEE (Trans Esophageal Echo) probe, blood clot or air bubbles in the lungs or other organs, bruising at the catheter insertion site, clot formation on the WATCHMAN™ Closure Device, cranial bleed, excessive bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, groin puncture bleed, hypotension, infection/pneumonia, pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, pulmonary vein obstruction, renal failure, stroke, thrombosis and transient ischemic attack. In rare cases death can occur. Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of the WATCHMAN Device. Boston Scientific is dedicated to transforming lives through innovative medical solutions that improve the health of patients around the world. Follow Us Customer Service Contact Us Locations Site Map Privacy Policy Terms of Use Copyright Notice ©2015 Boston Scientific Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved. SH-302402-AA MAR2015