Medicare and Watchman surgery
The Watchman procedure helps those with atrial fibrillation (AFib). Medicare covers the surgery for eligible beneficiaries. AFib is a common heart rhythm disorder consisting of rapid and irregular heartbeats, which can lead to the formation of blood clots in the heart. These clots develop in a small pouch called the left atrial appendage (LAA). If a clot dislodges and travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.