Boston Scientific WATCHMAN Device Training

The Need

The WATCHMAN Implant is a one-time, minimally invasive procedure for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem (also known as non-valvular AFib) who need an alternative to blood thinners.

Atritech, now a division of Boston Scientific, needed an educational tool in support of physicians to gain understanding of the WATCHMAN device, the implant procedure and the clinical aspects.

  • Physician Education

  • Engaging Visuals & Animations

  • Interactive Step-by-Step Guide

  • 3D Modeling of Real Patient Data

  • Extended Reality

The Solution

In response, KDG developed an extended reality training program that offers an interactive walkthrough of the procedure on how to implant the WATCHMAN device into the left atrial appendage (LAA). The WATCHMAN Implant is placed into the patient’s heart in a one-time procedure. It’s a permanent device that doesn’t have to be replaced and can’t be seen outside the body.

The online program covers three case studies utilizing data from three implant patients. The patient’s heart image data collected during various medical procedures was imported into 3D software to recreate the actual LAA that the implant procedure was performed on. Each case study also includes a variety of fluoroscopy images taken before, during, and, after the implant. This program has been regularly used in a classroom presentation setting and can also be available online.

This popular pre-study program familiarizes physicians with the implant procedure before attending hands-on lab training. This greatly increases the efficiency of the live training.