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Post-Operation Instructions

Pacemaker/ICD Discharge Instructions

Activity

Wear an arm sling for 24 hours after the operation to remind you not to use the arm to lift anything over 5 pounds following the implant. It is okay to move the arm. If you avoid moving the arm, the muscles will contract. Do not move the arm forcefully or with any sudden jerky movements. You should not use the arm to push yourself up from bed, and you should not swing the arm for 4 weeks. You should avoid the following activity or activities similar to: washing windows/walls, vacuuming, tennis/golf, swimming/diving, running/jogging/aerobics or contact sports for 4 weeks.
• Someone must stay with you for the first 24 hours after discharge. Minimize your activity for the next 72 hours
• Do not raise your arm on the side of the pacemaker (or ICD) over your shoulder for 4 weeks.
• Do not lift more than 10 lbs. with your arm on the side of the pacemaker (or ICD) for 2-4 weeks.
• Do not drive for 2 weeks or until your doctor gives you permission.

How to treat pacemaker/ICD incision

Look at your incision every day. Call us if you notice any of the following symptoms or signs of infection: increasing redness, fluid coming out of the incision, increasing swelling, increasing warmth, increasing tenderness, fever, chills, sweats, and/or device showing through the skin.
• Some discomfort to be expected: It is normal to have some discomfort in the area of the implant for the first week or two. Normally Tylenol will help the discomfort. The pain of the implant should decrease markedly after 10 days. It is normal to feel fullness or numbness in the area of the implant. DO NOT rub or attempt to move the device under your skin as this could dislodge the pacemaker/ICD lead wires.
• If there is a break or opening in the incision, call our office immediately.
• Check your temperature once a day for one week. If your temperature is greater than 100° F, call our office.
• It is not unusual to develop black and blue areas that can extend to below the breast or into the arm.
•  Don’t use any lotions, powders, or ointments on your incision for one month.
• Avoid direct sunlight on your incision for one month.
• Showering: If your incision is covered with several pieces of thin tape called "Steri-Strips.", keep it dry for one week. It is okay to shower, but cover the area with a plastic wrap. After the first week, clean the incision site with mild soap (e.g. Dove or Ivory) and water.
• If your incision is covered with "Steri-Strips.", don’t pull them off, even after several weeks. Allow them to fall off on their own.
• If your incision is covered by a special glue (DERMABOND), do not pick at the incision, since it can disrupt its adhesion to skin and cause dehiscence of the wound. You can take a shower but do not scrub or soak the incision site, or expose it to prolonged wetness, until after the adhesive material has sloughed naturally and the wound healed closed.
• Do not take a bath (shower is fine as explained before), hot tub or swim for one month until wound is well healed.

Getting back to work

You may return to work as soon as you feel able to perform your usual work functions.

Schedule a follow-up

Call our office (305)663-3377 at your convenience and make an office appointment for 3 to 4 weeks from the day of the implant.



A copy of these instructions is available HERE.

EP Study and Ablation Discharge Instructions

Activity

Keep activity light over the first 2 days after procedure. Avoid lifting or heavy exertion during this period.

Taking care of puncture site

Look at your incision every day. Call us if you notice any of the following symptoms or signs of infection: increasing redness, fluid coming out of the incision, increasing swelling, increasing warmth, increasing tenderness, fever, chills, and/ or sweats.
• Discomfort: It is normal to have some discomfort in groin and chest for the first week or two. Normally Tylenol will help the discomfort. Your groin will generally have two puncture sites, and may develop minor bruising. Bruising may occasionally extend down the leg. This is normal as is an occasional quarter sized bump in the area. If there is larger swelling or significant pain, please contact the office.
• You may have minor chest pain for first week or two. The pain may worsen when leaning forward or taking a deep breath. This is generally not of concern and should resolve itself in a week.
• If there is a break or opening in the incision, CALL US IMMEDIATELY.
• Check your temperature once a day for one week. If your temperature is greater than 100 degrees farenheit, CALL US IMMEDIATELY.
• Don’t use any lotions, powders, or ointments on your puncture site for one month.
• Avoid direct sunlight on your puncture site for one month.
• It is recommended that someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after discharge.
• Do not drive for a few days after procedure or your doctor gives you permission.
• It is okay to shower but do not take a bath or swim for a week.

Going back to work

You may return to work as soon as you feel able to perform your usual work functions.



A copy of these instructions is available HERE.