Implantable Leadless Pacemaker

Wound Care

• The day after the procedure:
• Remove the bandage at the site and gently clean with soap and water, and pat dry; leave open to air out
• You may shower
• Do not apply lotions, powders, ointments, or perfumes
• Check your groin and every day. A small amount of soreness and bruising (black and blue) and small bump the size of a nickel is normal
• Do not soak your procedure site for 1 week (no baths, swimming, hot tub.)

Activity

Your procedure was done through the groin, for the next 5 days

• Limit climbing stairs
• No strenuous activity, pushing, pulling, or straining
• Do not lift anything more than 10 pounds
• You may resume sexual activity after 7 days, unless instructed otherwise

Medication

• Please take your medications as explained to you (found on your discharge paperwork)
• If you have discomfort or soreness, take pain medication as explained at discharge
• Resume your oral anticoagulant, as prescribed by your doctor

Diet

• Follow the heart healthy diet recommended by your doctor
• For the next 24 hours:
• Stay at home and rest. Do not drive or operate machinery
• Do not drink any alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, or liquor)
• Do not make important personal or business decisions
• If you smoke, we recommend you quit. It will immediately improve your health. If you would like to let us help you live smoke-free, call the Center for Tobacco Control at (516) 466-1980

Side Effects

Pain

•  You may have pain after your procedure at the puncture site
• Take pain medication as directed by your doctor
• Call your doctor if your pain is not getting better within 5 days or if it gets worse
• Prescription pain medication should be taken with food, and can cause constipation; an over-the-counter stool softener may be helpful

Nausea

• Anesthesia can upset your stomach
• Eat bland foods (Jell-O, crackers, toast) and drink ginger ale if you are nauseous
• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or ginger ale
• If your have nausea or vomiting the day after your surgery or procedure, call your doctor

Bleeding

• You may have a small amount of oozing and bruising from your surgical or procedural site, this is normal
• Excessive bleeding at the site can be dangerous and should prompt immediate medical attention

Infection

• If you have any of the following signs of infection, call your doctor
• Redness, swelling, fever over 101 degrees, thick yellow/white drainage

Call Your Doctor

• If you have fever, chills, or severe pain, swelling, redness, heat or yellow drainage at the incision site
• If you have bleeding in large amounts or significant new swelling from your puncture site that cannot be controlled or if area becomes very red or hot to touch and painful.
• If you experience lightheadedness; dizziness or a fainting spell

Contact your doctor at the Cardiology Office at North Shore University Hospital at: (516) 562-2300