Post-Operative Directions
If you are viewing this page, it's likely you have recently received either a permanent pacemaker or implantable defibrillator implant. Congratulations on your new acquisition. The device you now have is designed to provide you with many years of reliable service and to hopefully also improve not only the quantity of your life but also it's quality.
When we implant a device, we close the wound generally with one of two techniques. In many patients we will glue the edges of the skin together using special surgical adhesive (called dermabond). In other patients, sterile surgical staples are used to close the skin edges. Which technique is used in a given patient is determined at the time of the surgery.
If staples have been used, a sterile white gauze dressing is tapped on top of the wound. These staples will need to be removed in 7-10 days in our office. We will help arrange this for you.
If dermabond was used to close the wound, a small Band-Aid will be placed on top of the skin. Do not take this Band-Aid off as you might also remove the glue when the band-aid is removed. The following directions apply to both groups of patients.
Post-Op Instructions
 | Do Not get the wound wet for at least one week. You may shower if you wish, but we ask you to cover the wound with saran wrap and tape that to the skin prior to showering to help keep the wound dry. |
| If unusual redness or swelling is seen at the wound contact our office so we can examine the site prior to the scheduled wound check |
| If you develop a new fever or chills please call our office |
| If any bleeding or discharge occurs from the wound site, call our office |
| Do not lift the affected arm above the level of the shoulder for two weeks after the surgery. |
| Do not engage in any strenuous exercise such as tennis or golf with the affected arm for a periods of six weeks after surgery. Premature excessive use of the arm that the device is on can dislodge the electrodes going to the heart before they have become seated. Regular use of the affected arm (i.e. to carry a light bag or cup of coffee) after the first week however is permitted. |
| Our office will attempt to arrange a follow-up wound check generally within 5-10 days after the surgery. If you do not have an appointment, please call the office at 561-434-0353 to arrange one. |
| If staples have been used to close the skin a white gauze dressing will be used after surgery and we will remove the staples in 7-10 days |
| If glue was used to close the wound, you will have a simple band-aide on the skin. Do not remove this band-aid or you may also pull the glue off of the wound. The band-aid can be removed in 10 days in most patients cases but follow the directions you are given during your wound check visit regarding when to remove the band-aid. |
