“Absolutely Go for It”: John Werth’s Watchman Procedure Testimonial

For John Werth, daily life was filled with small frustrations and constant caution. “Every little thing I touched, I’d get a mark on my arm—and it would bleed,” he shared. While these spots weren’t painful, they were difficult to manage and served as a constant reminder of the blood thinners he took for his atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Living with AFib and Blood Thinners

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder that can increase the risk of stroke due to blood clots forming in the heart. To reduce this risk, patients like John are often prescribed blood thinners. While highly effective at preventing clots, blood thinners don’t come without drawbacks.

“These medications help mitigate the risk of stroke to nearly zero,” explains Dr. Kiran Reddy. “However, they can lead to side effects such as easy bruising or bleeding—some of which can be life-threatening, especially if they occur in the brain, gastrointestinal tract, or other sensitive areas.”

For John, the impact was daily and visible. Even a light bump or graze could cause noticeable bruising and bleeding. That’s when Dr. Reddy introduced another option: the Watchman procedure.

A New Path Forward: The Watchman Procedure

The Watchman device is a minimally invasive heart implant designed for patients with non-valvular AFib who want an alternative to long-term blood thinner use. The device is placed in the left atrial appendage—a small pouch in the heart where clots often form—and permanently seals it off to reduce stroke risk.

“It offers a strategy that can remove the need for blood thinners,” says Dr. Reddy, “while still being non-inferior to blood thinners in preventing stroke.”

For John, that was exactly the kind of solution he was hoping for.

Compassionate Care and a Smooth Recovery

John wasn’t nervous about the procedure—because he trusted his doctor. “Dr. Reddy explained everything thoroughly before the procedure even happened,” he said. “He made me feel very comfortable.”

He also remembers how supportive the entire care team was. “What stood out to me most was how caring and nice they were with this procedure.”

The recovery was smooth. “I was only in the hospital one night,” John shared. After the device was implanted, he began the follow-up phase, allowing the heart tissue to heal around the Watchman.

Life After Blood Thinners

Now, John looks forward to a life with fewer bruises, less bleeding, and more peace of mind. “I’m excited not to take blood thinners anymore,” he said.

When asked what he would say to someone considering the procedure, he didn’t hesitate:

“Absolutely go for it.”

Could the Watchman Be Right for You?

If you or a loved one is living with AFib and struggling with the side effects of blood thinners, the Watchman procedure may be worth exploring. Dr. Reddy and his team are here to guide you through your options and help you find a treatment plan that fits your life and your goals.

Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more.