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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Treatments & Procedures
  3. Watchman Implant Procedure

Treatment/Procedure: Watchman Implant Procedure

Also called: Left Atrial Appendage Occluder; Watchman

The Watchman implant procedure is for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFIB) who take anticoagulants for stroke prevention, but who can’t take long-term clot-preventing medications. More than 90% of stroke-causing clots form in the left atrial appendage (LAA) of patients with AFIB. The Watchman procedure prevents clots from forming and migrating from the LAA. That’s why you might hear the Watchman procedure called a left atrial appendage occluder.

This minimally-invasive procedure is done under general anesthesia. It is performed by placing a catheter in a vein in the patient’s leg, which allows access to the LAA. The Watchman device seals off the LAA, preventing clots from forming and migrating out of it. The implant device is about the size of a quarter and shaped like a parachute. Patients are typically discharged after a one-night hospital stay.

Anticoagulation (clot-preventing medicine) is continued for 45 days post-procedure. Then, the patient will return to verify the complete seal of the LAA. Once the seal is confirmed, clot-preventing medicine is stopped and the patient will transition to aspirin and blood thinners for 6 months, followed by aspirin only.

Evaluation for the Watchman Implant Procedure

Evaluation for Watchman includes a trans-esophageal echo to look for clots in the LAA and to determine the size and shape of the LAA. The patient will also have a consultation with a Watchman-implanting cardiologist and a second consultation with a non-implanting physician as part of the shared decision-making process.

Contents

  • Conditions
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Conditions Related to Watchman Implant Procedure

UAMS providers care for a broad range of conditions, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Blood Clots from Irregular Heartbeat

Providers Performing Watchman Implant Procedure

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe Watchman Implant Procedure for all conditions related to it. Review each provider for availability.

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Gaurav Dhar, M.D.

Gaurav Dhar, M.D. Interventional Cardiologist

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Locations Providing Watchman Implant Procedure

Note that Watchman Implant Procedure may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

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Exterior of Outpatient Center

Cardiology Clinic (Part of Heart Center)

4110 Outpatient Circle
Outpatient Center
Suite 2H
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-686-8000
New and Returning Patients
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Areas of Expertise for Watchman Implant Procedure

doctor using stethoscope to exam patient heart

Adult Heart Care

Trust your heart to the expert cardiologists, interventional cardiologists and heart surgeons here at UAMS. Your heart is safe in their expert hands.

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Cardiac Electrophysiology (Part of Adult Heart Care)

The heart is one of the body's most unique muscles. Always pumping, it keeps a steady pace and does its duty of supplying blood to muscles, organs, and tissues.

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Cardiothoracic Surgery (Part of Adult Heart Care)

Commonly called open-heart surgery, cardiothoracic surgery focuses on the heart, blood vessels, heart valves, esophagus, and lungs.

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Interventional Cardiology (Part of Adult Heart Care)

UAMS Health's interventional cardiology specialists are the experts in diagnosing heart issues and clearing clogged arteries.

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Structural Heart Care (Part of Adult Heart Care)

When the issue is a heart valve problem or a hole in the heart, this can be solved by our structural heart disease specialists.

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Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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