What is recovery from WATCHMAN like?
Who performs the WATCHMAN procedure?
Who is a candidate for WATCHMAN FLX?
<< What is WATCHMAN FLX?
Learn more about the Structural Heart Program at Sierra Medical Center
For patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation, treatment typically includes prescription blood thinners because of their increased risk for stroke. However, these drugs can be risky for some, especially patients who are active. Sierra Medical Center, an Extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center, is the first hospital in Reno to offer the WATCHMAN FLX Pro as an alternative solution. Electrophysiologist Ram Challapalli, MD, FACC, shares information on this advanced technology and how it can help improve lives.
The WATCHMAN FLX® Pro–
Are You A Candidate?
Ask the Doctor
What is WATCHMAN FLX?
The WATCHMAN FLX Pro implant is an alternative for many patients on blood thinners. It is a small, mesh device shaped like a parachute that is implanted in the left atrial appendage (LAA) of the heart. It is designed for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib causes blood to pool in the LAA, which can lead to clots. But once implanted, tissue gradually grows over the device, which blocks the area and prevents any blood clots from forming.
Who is a candidate for WATCHMAN FLX?
Patients who have nonvalvular AFib, a type of irregular heart rhythm that isn’t caused by heart valve issues, may be candidates for the WATCHMAN device.
There are several criteria used to determine qualification.
· You are on blood thinners and are at high risk for falls
· You lead an active lifestyle and take blood thinners
· You cannot tolerate blood thinners
· You cannot regulate your blood thinner levels
· You have a history of bleeding
· You cannot afford your blood thinners
If you meet any of these criteria, consult with your doctor to see if the WATCHMAN FLX Pro may be right for you.
Who performs the WATCHMAN procedure?
The procedure is performed by a multidisciplinary team of either an interventional cardiologist or an electrophysiologist, cardiac anesthesiologist and cardiac catheterization lab staff. It is similar to a catheterization or stent procedure, and the WATCHMAN enters the body through a tube inserted into a vein in the upper leg. Once placed into the LAA, tissue gradually grows over the device.
What is recovery from WATCHMAN like?
Most patients are able to return home the day after their procedure. They are instructed to not perform heavy lifting or strenuous activities for 7 to 10 days.
Patients may experience aches and pains, which is normal during the healing process. Following the procedure, your heart tissue will grow over the implant to form a permanent barrier to prevent blood clots. In addition, most patients are able to stop taking blood thinners 45 days after getting the WATCHMAN FLX Pro. Your doctor will monitor your progress and advise you about your medication.
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Summer/Fall 2024
LivIng Well
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From Stress Test to Bypass
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Jamii Uboldi
System Director, Marketing
Helen Lidholm
Chief Executive Officer
Northern Nevada Medical Center
Jim Bradley
Chief Operations Officer
Sierra Medical Center
Information in Living Well comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos or illustrations. Any opinions expressed by an author whose article appears in this publication are solely the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Northern Nevada Health System. Physicians mentioned in this publication are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Northern Nevada Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
©2024. All rights reserved.
Northern Nevada Medical Center
2375 E. Prater Way
Sparks, NV 89434
775-331-7000
Sierra Medical Center, an Extension
of Northern Nevada Medical Center
6500 Longley Ln
Reno, NV 89511
775-799-7320
*Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if minimally invasive surgery is right for you.
Summer/Fall 2024
LivIng Well
Spot a Stroke – FAST!
Ask the Doctor
TAVR
From Stress Test to Bypass
Letter From Leadership
More Stories
Read more about strokes
Spot a Stroke
Strokes can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race or gender. Know the signs so you can act quickly.
Read more from the doctor
Ask The Doctor
If you have atrial fibrillation, you may be a candidate.
Read more about TAVR
TAVR
If you have aortic stenosis, surgery may be risky. TAVR is a less-invasive treatment option.
Jamii Uboldi
System Director, Marketing
Helen Lidholm
Chief Executive Officer,
Northern Nevada Medical Center
Jim Bradley
Chief Operations Officer,
Sierra Medical Center
Information in Living Well comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos or illustrations. Any opinions expressed by an author whose article appears in this publication are solely the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Northern Nevada Health System. Physicians mentioned in this publication are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Northern Nevada Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
©2023. All rights reserved.
Northern Nevada Medical Center
2345 E. Prater Way
Sparks, NV 89434
775-331-7000
Sierra Medical Center
6500 Longley Ln
Reno, NV 89511
775-799-7320
Jamii Uboldi
System Director, Marketing
Helen Lidholm
Chief Executive Officer,
Northern Nevada Medical Center
Jim Bradley
Chief Operations Officer,
Sierra Medical Center
Information in Living Well comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos or illustrations. Any opinions expressed by an author whose article appears in this publication are solely the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Northern Nevada Health System. Physicians mentioned in this publication are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Northern Nevada Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
©2023. All rights reserved.
Northern Nevada Medical Center
2345 E. Prater Way
Sparks, NV 89434
775-331-7000
Sierra Medical Center
6500 Longley Ln
Reno, NV 89511
775-799-7320
Summer/Fall 2024
LivIng Well
Spot a Stroke – FAST!
Ask the Doctor
TAVR
From Stress Test to Bypass
Letter From Leadership