Reduce the risk of stroke with an implantable device

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Jane Johannes had two wishes after her atrial fibrillation diagnosis.

First, she wanted peace of mind from worrying about a stroke. Second, she wanted to end the expense of having to take blood thinners for the rest of her life.

Jane hoped to fulfill both wishes when she saw advertisements for the WATCHMAN Device™, an implantable device that reduces stroke risk without the need for lifelong use of blood-thinners. She asked her electrophysiologist Michael Spooner, MD, if she was a candidate and became one of the first patients to receive the WATCHMAN at MercyOne North Iowa Heart Center.

“I’m very happy I have the Watchman implant, and I recommend it to anyone with atrial fibrillation,” said Jane, 71, of Mason City, Iowa.

Another health problem led to her atrial fibrillation diagnosis. Within the span of a year, Jane had two surgeries for bowel obstructions, and her heart went into atrial fibrillation each time. She began taking blood-thinners, with an out-of-pocket cost of about $200 per month. Also weighing on her mind, she had seen firsthand the dangers of blood clots in her own family. Her first husband died from a blood clot due to a genetic clotting disorder, and her son and daughter have it, too.

“I wanted one less challenge to worry about with my health, and I was excited the Watchman Device was offered close to home,” said Jane. “I had faith in this technology and my doctor. I wanted another treatment to reduce my risk of stroke, instead of medication.”

Using a minimally invasive approach, the WATCHMAN is implanted inside the left atrial appendage (LAA) of the heart, where over 90% of stroke-causing clots are formed. During the weeks after the implant, the heart tissue grows over the WATCHMAN and the LAA is permanently sealed.

“I have more peace of mind now,” said Jane.