New method reduces stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients without relying on blood thinners

People with the irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation
have an increased risk of blood clots, which can lead to a stroke.
Most blood clots in these patients form in a small pocket of the
heart, explain invasive cardiac electrophysiologist People with the
irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation have an increased
risk of blood clots, which can lead to a stroke. Most blood clots
in these patients form in a small pocket of the heart, explain
invasive cardiac electrophysiologist Jamal Ahmed, MD Jamal Ahmed,
MD, right, and nurse Scott Davis, left, who both work in the,
right, and nurse Scott Davis, left, who both work in the Upstate
Heart and Vascular Center. Upstate Heart and Vascular Center. Davis
is Davis is the Watchman procedure the Watchman procedure
coordinator, which refers to the procedure now offered to prevent
clots from escaping that pocket, known as the left atrial
appendage. coordinator, which refers to the procedure now offered
to prevent clots from escaping that pocket, known as the left
atrial appendage. The Watchman is a coin-sized, umbrellalike device
The Watchman is a coin-sized, umbrellalike device inserted into the
heart and lodged in the appendage. For patients who are candidates
for the procedure, the goal is to stop taking blood thinners after
they recover from the operation.  inserted into the heart and
lodged in the appendage. For patients who are candidates for the
procedure, the goal is to stop taking blood thinners after they
recover from the operation.