The "Watchman" procedure

[left-of-center2012]

Have had aFib for several years. Had the electric shock 'ablation' two years ago, which was successful, but
am back in aFib.

The doctors now want to do the 'Watchman' procedure.
Implant a block to a small pocket of my heart where clots tend to form.

Does anyone here have any experience with this?

The surgeon is a graduate of Duke, and had seven years at Vanderbilt.

[DURHAM D]

1. LOL I first read that as "seven years at Vaudeville"

and thought oh my god NO.

[COLGATE4]

2. But the crowd really loved him...

[left-of-center2012]

3. For me, this is a very serious matter

One about which I am very worried.

[erronis]

4. I've had afib for 40+ years with no recommendations for ablation/etc. I am suspicious

of a procedure that is controlled by one company/manufacturer. It doesn't seem that there are a lot of independent reviews. Let us know if you decide to go forward, and if you're still ticking how it went....

[3Hotdogs]

5. I'm sure you are going for a second opinion.

[erronis]

6. I've had quite a few recommendations over this period - some family practitioners, some cardios

Most are amazed that it keeps on ticking altho the last few months my overall cardio health (blood flow, lower extremities) has not been optimal (at 71yo). My impression is that family doctors really don't want to get too involved and for specialists AF is just one of those intractable diseases - perhaps fueled by western culture (and in my case a fondness for scotch.)

Combined with a bit of arthritis I've been way too sedentary and need to get back to a regimen of tennis, handball, and xc skiing. If I die because I'm enjoying myself, all the better!