(ABC 6 NEWS) – MercyOne North Iowa Heart Center now has a new tool in their toolbox, the WATCHMAN device.

It’s making a difference in more ways than one.

It’s an implant that reduces the risk of stroke for patients with atrial fibrillation.

MercyOne says that’s the number one cause of stroke and the most common heart rhythm disorder in adults.

Blood thinners can help with this, but it’s not a long term solution.

What is, is the WATCHMAN device.

Dr. Michael Spooner with MercyOne says this one time permanent implant is a safe alternative that reduces the risk of stroke.

This device is implanted inside the left atrial appendage of the heart, MercyOne says that’s where 90 percent of stroke causing close are formed.

“Watchman is a way where we put a plug inside that pocket to try and wall off that pocket so clots can’t get in the bloodstream. Ultimately we can get the patients off blood thinners so they’re not exposed to that risk as well, the risk of bleeding,” Dr. Spooner said.

For Jane Johannes, she learned about the WATCHMAN device from a TV commercial.

She says she’s glad she spoke to her doctor to get this device implanted.

She now has peace of mind, she wanted to end the expense of blood thinners.

“It’s an operation well worth it, it wasn’t too complicated from my part anyway,” Johannes said.

Now that Jane has the device, the healing process begins.

We’re told weeks after the implant, the heart tissue grows over the WATCHMAN and the left atrial appendage of the heart.

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about the WATCHMAN device, reach out to your doctor.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pains, lightheadedness, and dizziness.

If you have these symptoms you’re encouraged to seek medical help.

More information on the WATCHMAN device can be found here.