Dr. Khoury, Thank you for your question. The following is a question and response from the UHMS Safety Committee. The original post date from UHMS.org was 3/11/2020.
Question: Any information on cardiac Watchman implant from Boston Scientific? Tried calling company but have not received call back. Safe for HBO?
Answer: Thank you for your question. The UHMS HBO2 safety committee can provide information to assist you in answering your question, but the ultimate responsibility for these types of questions rests with the medical director and safety director of your facility.
This device is similar in design and purpose to other types of cardiac stents. The particular difference is that this implant helps to reduce clotting in a specific region of the heart known as the left atrial appendage. Patients with atrial fibrillation may benefit from the use of this implant by reducing the risk of stroke due to clots that tend to form in this area of the heart.
Several members of the Safety Committee have indicated that there are no overt concerns raised that would prohibit a patient with a cardiac Watchman Implant from receiving Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. One of the committee members consulted Boston Scientific and spoke with their representatives. They confirmed that “There are no issues with the Watchman and HBO therapy”. Additionally, the committee consulted a cardiovascular specialist who is familiar with this implant, who agreed with this conclusion. Therefore the UHMS Safety Committee sees no reason to withhold hyperbaric oxygen therapy from a patient due to the presence of a cardiac Watchman implant.
Respectfully, The UHMS Safety Committee
Reference:
https://www.uhms.org/resources/medfaqs-frequently-asked-questions-faq/safety-technical/162-item-approval.html?start=50Please let us know if you have any additional thoughts or questions.
Have a great day, Jeff
![]()
![]()