I was mentally ready for the procedure next month but then stumbled across the article by Dr. John Mondrola in Medscape, who was very negative towards it. The thought of lifelong anticoagulation is very daunting though to me, although now I handle Xarelto without problems. I really don't know what to do. Dr. Swarup is clearly biased in favor of the procedure as he is extremely skilled at it.by redalfa1961 - AFIBBERS FORUM
The Watchman will be placed by Dr. Vijay Swarup, who has done more than almost anyone in the countryby redalfa1961 - AFIBBERS FORUM
thank you. look forward to hearing more thoughts and opinionsby redalfa1961 - AFIBBERS FORUM
I am currently on Xarelto for post ablation partial atrial appendage isolation done 1.5 years ago. While my appendage function has recovered somewhat, it is still at .4 which is not good enough to go off anticoagulation. (needs to be greater than .4). I have had multiple TEE done since the procedure and the appendage dysfunction has not changed and I suspect never will at this point. My electrophby redalfa1961 - AFIBBERS FORUM
thank you for the reassuranceby redalfa1961 - AFIBBERS FORUM
I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge in regards to the top electrophysiologists/ablationists for afib in the Phoenix area? I have gone to Dr. Vjendra Swarup at the Arizona Heart Institute and have been told he is one of the top EPS docs in Phoenix. Anyone have any experiences or thoughts?by redalfa1961 - AFIBBERS FORUM
I had 2 follow up TEEs over 8 months after inadvertent LAA isolation. The function had improved from atonic to " mild to moderate dysfunction" but not enough to go off Xarelto which I continue to take. I hope to get a Watchman placed in January as I do not expect further improvement in the LAA function. I will be getting a final TEE prior to the procedure howeverby redalfa1961 - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hello, I am a patient of Dr. Vjendra Swarup and have consulted with him in regards to LAA occlusion procedure. I understand he has one of the highest volumes of Watchman implants in the country. He is interested in enrolling me in a blinded study where 50% patients get Watchman, 50% get Amulet. He is apparently a proctor for Amulet placements with other physicians. Based on my conversation withby redalfa1961 - AFIBBERS FORUM
Since the major concern with afib is prevention of stroke, I was wondering if there are any studies comparing subsequent overall stroke risk in patients who have a Watchman device vs. pts who do not have a Watchman device but are 100% compliant taking their NOAC post ablation (as I am). This would assume the remainder of the heart is completely structurally normal (as is mine) other than a mildby redalfa1961 - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thank you Shannon. Much appreciatedby redalfa1961 - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thanks so much for the detailed reply. At this point, the plan is one of waiting. With any further episodes, I get a touch up ablation. Watchman would be placed at some point after that. IF I don't have any more episodes over the next 6-12 months or so, I would then proceed to Watchman (without getting any touch up ablation). Sound reasonable??by redalfa1961 - AFIBBERS FORUM
I am trying to " build a case" for Watchman to my insurance over a period of time. Have not submitted to insurance yet for pre approval. Does anyone know the cost of a Watchman should one pay for it themselves? The Magnesium is something I will be starting shortly. thank you for the repliesby redalfa1961 - AFIBBERS FORUM
I was diagnosed with lone afib 1.5 years ago. Previously fully healthy long distance runner, mild hypertension only. no other health issues. I required cardioversions twice over a 16 month period to restore NSR as I had 2 episodes in 16 months, neither would convert on its own. Opted for ablation as wanted to be as aggressive as possible in treating this (I am very active 55 year old) and preventby redalfa1961 - AFIBBERS FORUM