Overview

If you have had a cardiac device implant, or a battery change, it is important to follow these instructions so that your wound can heal properly. 

Looking after your wound

During the week after your procedure, you should keep your wound area clean and dry.

You will have a dressing over your wound. You should remove this dressing 3 days after your procedure. Make sure that you wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching the dressing. When you remove the dressing, the wound should be clean and dry. You do not need to put a new dressing on, your wound can be left uncovered.

If your dressing has soaked with blood and it has not been 3 days, remove it and check the wound. If the wound looks healthy, but has not healed yet, you can put on a clean, dry dressing.

If you have any questions about your dressing, contact the arrhythmia nurses. 

Problems with your wound 

It is important that any issues with your wound, such as an infection, are found and treated quickly.

Washing

After 3 days you can use the shower over your wound. Wash the area gently, with warm water only, and pat dry with a clean towel. 

Stitches

You will have dissolvable stitches that should not need removing. However, sometimes one, or both, of the end stitches do not dissolve. If this happens, a small scab can form over the knot of the stitch. If you notice this after 3 or 4 weeks, contact the arrhythmia nurses. We can check your wound and remove the stitches.

Pain

The wound will be uncomfortable to begin with. However, painkillers such as paracetamol should help.

If you are taking blood-thinning medicines (such as anti-platelet or anti-coagulant medicines) you must not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) painkillers. This includes ibuprofen and naproxen.

Your pharmacist can advise you on which painkillers to take.

Returning to activities

If you have a new cardiac implant device, or you have had your leads changed, you must not raise your affected arm above your shoulder height for 6 weeks. This is because excessive movement can cause the leads to move out of place. 

If you have had a battery change, or a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD), you can go back to your usual activities as soon as you feel well enough.

Driving

Depending on the type of cardiac implant device you have fitted, you might need to stop driving for a while after your procedure. Your doctor or nurse will let you know if this applies to you. They will also explain the legal requirements you must follow from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

After the DVLA requirements have been met, you should only drive again when you are no longer in pain and can do an emergency stop comfortably. You should check with your insurance company to make sure you are covered to start driving again. They might refuse to meet a claim if they feel you have driven too soon.

If you are not sure about when to start driving again, contact the heart devices helpline for advice. 

The DVLA also has information about driving with a medical condition. 

Follow-up appointment

You will be given a follow-up appointment with the pacing clinic.

If you have any questions about this appointment, you can contact the heart devices helpline. Phone: 020 7401 9249 or 07770 581872, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.