The Watchman device is a medical device that is used to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a type of irregular heartbeat. AFib is a common condition that can increase the risk of stroke, as it can cause blood to pool in the heart and form clots that can travel to the brain. The Watchman device is a small, umbrella-like device that is inserted into the left atrial appendage (LAA) of the heart through a catheter.
The LAA is a small, pouch-like structure in the heart that is responsible for a significant portion of the blood clots that occur in people with AFib. The device is designed to seal off the LAA and prevent blood clots from forming and traveling to the brain.
As with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects associated with the use of the Watchman device. Some common side effects include:
- Bleeding: The Watchman procedure involves making an incision in the femoral artery, which can cause bleeding. This bleeding may be minimal and may stop on its own, or it may require additional treatment.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection associated with the implantation of the Watchman device. This risk can be minimized through proper wound care and the use of antibiotics as prescribed.
- Damage to the heart or surrounding blood vessels: The procedure to implant the Watchman device carries a risk of damage to the heart or surrounding blood vessels. This can include damage to the LAA or other structures in the heart.
- Heart arrhythmias: The implantation of the Watchman device may cause temporary changes in heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation or flutter. These arrhythmias may resolve on their own or may require additional treatment.
- Device embolization: In rare cases, the Watchman device may become dislodged and travel to other parts of the body, such as the lungs. This can be a serious complication and may require additional treatment.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may experience an allergic reaction to the materials used in the Watchman device or the dye used during the procedure. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, hives, or difficulty breathing.
- Stroke: While the Watchman implant is designed to reduce the risk of stroke, there is still a small risk of a stroke occurring after the procedure. This risk can be minimized through proper follow-up care and monitoring.
It’s important to note that these side effects are rare and may not occur in all cases. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the use of the Watchman device and to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of the procedure and help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
It’s also important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for care after the procedure, as this can help to minimize the risk of complications. This may include taking medications as prescribed, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up visits to monitor the device. If you experience any unusual symptoms after the procedure, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away.
Stay aware of the potential risks associated with the use of the Watchman device and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
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Office Buford
Office Duluth
Office Dacula
Office Grayson
Office Snellville
Office Suwanee
1120 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Suite 208 & 209 Suwanee, Georgia
Phone : 7706379247
Fax : 7702908084
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Invasive therapies may also be used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm, such as electrical cardioversion which sends electrical impulses through your chest wall and allows normal heart rhythm to restart, or catheter ablation which disconnects the pathway of the abnormal rhythm. If your doctor determines that electrical devices are the best course of action, you may be given a permanent pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or biventricular (B-V) pacemakers and defibrillators.
How CVG Can Help
CVG offers a variety of services that can check and treat causes of fainting. At CVG, we perform stress tests that will observe blood flow and test for Atrial Fibrillation. There are three types of stress tests that we perform:
A treadmill test is a test in which you will walk on a treadmill that gets faster and steeper every 3 minutes. This will stress your heart so that our nurse or doctor can determine your EKG and blood pressure.
An echo test is performed before and after your treadmill test to determine how well your heart pumps blood.
A nuclear stress test is a treadmill test that is prefaced by an injection of medicine that shows the flow of blood to your heart.
We also offer cardiac catheterization, in which a catheter is inserted into the heart in order to take pictures and conduct tests. This procedure allows doctors to gain more information about your condition and suggest treatment options if the fainting episode is due to heart conditions.
If these tests determine a problem, we offer treatment solutions to fix several conditions. Learn more about our services here, or schedule an appointment to talk to our doctors.
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