POST PROCEDURE DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE CLOSURE

What symptoms are common after my procedure?

• It is common to have mild pain, slight swelling, and bruising with color changes near the puncture sites; use cold packs as needed the first 24 hours, then alternate heat and cold packs as needed.
• Mild shortness of breath and chest pain when breathing can occur after your procedure. If symptoms worsen with time, call our office. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen can help.
• It is common to have a small, soft bruise around the puncture site that can take up to two weeks to go away. A small (dime to quarter sized) lump is also normal. A small amount of blood (not more than a teaspoon) from the site is also common.
• Headaches or upset stomach after the use of general anesthesia is common.

How should I take care of my puncture sites?

• Keep your puncture sites clean. You may shower 24 hours after your procedure, but do not submerge your puncture sites in the tub, pool, hot tub or lake until they are well healed (at least one week).
• Be sure your hands are clean when touching near the site.
• Avoid using deodorants, powders, creams, lotions, etc. on your puncture sites.
• Keep sites open to air.
• Inspect sites daily.
• Your puncture sites should gradually look better each day. If you notice unusual swelling, redness, drainage, increased pain at the sites, or have a fever greater than 100 degrees, call the doctor.

What are my activity restrictions?

• If you were driving prior to your procedure, you can usually resume driving in 2 days.
• No heavy lifting (greater than 15 pounds) or straining for one week, then resume normal activity.
• You may return to work in 3-5 days unless told otherwise.
• Avoid excessive bending, stooping, or stair climbing for 2 days. It is ok to go up stairs or bend over but take it slowly and keep it to a minimum.
• You may be up and about while relaxing at home as you recover.
• You may resume sexual activity in one week.
• It is very important that as you recover you gradually increase your activity every day. If you are having discomfort or increased pain, please notify us.

When do I follow up?

• You will be scheduled to follow up with your EP physician or EP Nurse Practitioner  with a possible Transesophageal Echo (TEE).

Other important information

• Tell all your healthcare providers and dentists you’ve had a Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion implant. Before any dental procedure within 6 months of your procedure, you will need to take an antibiotic to protect your new implant.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR:

Complications are rare but can happen.

• If you have significant bleeding (more than a teaspoon) or a lump underneath the skin (bigger than a golf ball) at the site lie down, apply firm pressure at the site and call 911. Bleeding from a large vessel needs professional help.
• If you have signs of infection at the site such as: redness, warm to touch, drainage, increasing soreness, a fever (100 degrees or more) and/or chills.
• Soreness that continues more than a week or unusual pain at the puncture site.
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the affected leg.
• If your leg becomes cold and pale.
• If you have a sense of fullness in your chest.
• If you have changes of vision, slurred speech or one-sided weakness.

Who do I contact if I need to speak with someone?

During Business Hours:

• Mid America Cardiology Office at the University of Kansas Hospital: 913-588-9600 (Monday-Friday)
• Overland Park:913-588-9400 (Monday-Friday)
• Liberty: 913-945-6300 (Monday-Friday)
• Atchison: 913-945-6460 (Tuesday and Thursday)
• St. Joseph:913-588-9191 (Monday-Friday)
• Parkville/Tremont: 913-588-9199 (Monday-Friday)
• Emporia: 620-342-2521 (Monday-Thursday)
• State Avenue: 913-945-6740 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday)
• Leavenworth:913-945-9626 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday)
• Blue Ridge (Grandview): 913-945-6380 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday)
• Mid America Cardiology Office at the University of Kansas Hospital: 913-588-9600

Nights and Weekends

• Mid America Cardiology Office at the University of Kansas Hospital: 913-588-9600

This education is meant to serve as a resource to you and your family. It is not meant to be all inclusive. The members of the Richard and Annette Bloch Heart Rhythm Center at Mid America Cardiology, 913-588-4300, will be glad to answer any questions you may have about this booklet or your procedure