Post Operative Instructions
Discharge Instructions for Post Device Implants
PACEMAKERS/ BI-VENT ICD-PACEMAKER/ ICD/ IMPLANTABLE LOOP MONITOR
INCISION CARE
- Keep incision dry for 3 days then you may shower
- Wash site with soap and water daily, then leave open to air (no bandage necessary
- No soaking in tub/pool until incision is completely healed
- Apply Ice bag and/or pressure dressing for 3 days
- Notify the doctors office if you experience a fever above 101; wound drainage; extreme tenderless or pain; swelling; bleeding; warmth or redness; swelling of the arm on the operative side; twitching of the chest/abdomincal muscles, or hiccups that wont stop.
ACTIVITY RESTRICTION
- No driving for 2 weeks or as instructed by your doctor
- No lifting the arm on the operative side above the shoulder level for 6 weeks (includes bowling, dancing, swimming or any movement requiring full range of motion of the arm)
- No lifting more than 5 pounds with the arm on the operative side for 6 weeks.
- Wear arm sling for first 24 hours after surgery then at bedtime as you may raise your arm in your sleep.
- REFER TO THE BOOKLET PROVIDED BY THE DEVICE COMPANY FOR OTHER RESTRICTIONS CONCERNING YOUR DEVICE
IF YOUR ICD SHOCKS YOU
- If your ICD shocks you ONCE and you are stable, call the office immediately to come in for a device check.
- If your ICD shocks you more than once in a 24 hours period, call 911 and notify the operator that you have an ICD. You should be transported to the nearest hospital by ambulance. DO NOT DRIVE YOURSELF!
FOLLOW UP APPOINMENTS
- Call our office for a wound check with the nurse in 2 weeks and initial device reprogramming in 8 weeks.
- Call your regular cardiologists to schedule an appointment in 3 to 4 weeks
Return to the WCAC Main Post Operative Instructions Page