Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device

Wound Care

•       The day after your 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 every day.  A small amount of soreness and bruising (black and blue), bump smaller than a nickel is normal

•       Do not soak your procedure site in water for 1 week  (no baths, swimming, etc.)

Activity

Your procedure was done through the groin, for the next 7 days

•       Limit climbing stairs

•       No strenuous activity, pushing, pulling, or straining (especially during a bowel movement)

•       Do not lift anything more than 10 pounds

•       You may resume sexual activity after 48 hours, unless instructed otherwise

Medication

•       The plan for your ongoing anti-coagulation will be discussed with your EP physician or NP/PA

•       If you have discomfort or soreness, take pain medication as explained at discharge

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 you 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