Cardiac Angiography Unit Discharge Information Following Device Insertion
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Post procedure Information
Details of your admission including results and any planned treatment (if appropriate) will be sent to your GP or referring consultant within the next few weeks.
You have either had a new pacemaker implantation or an Elective Generator Replacement (battery change). You will be given a pacemaker patient identification card which will have all your pacemaker details. You must carry this with you at all times.
You will be given a six week follow up appointment with the pacing cardiac physiologist, before you leave the department.
You will have annual device follow ups with the Cardiac Physiology team to ensure correct pacemaker function.
If you have had a box change and you have already have a pacemaker appointment, please let the nurses or the physiologist know before you leave the department.
You may contact the cardiology department if you wish to speak to the cardiac physiologist, Mon – Fri 08.30 – 17.00 on 01908 997200.
If your query is for an appointment, then please contact our device service administrator on 01908 996016 Mon-Thurs 9-5pm.
Dos and don’ts:
Please do carry the identity card you will be given before leaving home after procedure. It contains important information about you and your pacemaker.
It is important for the pacing leads and box to heal. Please try not to raise the arm on the side of the pacemaker implant above shoulder height or perform any heavy lift for the first 4 weeks after your procedure. This may increase the chance of lead displacement with the potential for early reintervention.
Please do not enter a Physiotherapy, Radiotherapy or Xray department without telling the staff there that you have a pacemaker. In these environments some equipment may affect your pacemaker.
Please do not wear tight braces or tight clothing over your pacemaker until your pacemaker check at approximately 6 weeks.
Please do not take strenuous exercise such as swimming, tennis, running or golf until your pacemaker check at approximately 6 weeks.
Please do not use arc-welding equipment.
Please do not linger close to an anti-theft machine at the exit of a shop or library.
Please do inform the staff if you are admitted to hospital for any reason, that you have a pacemaker. Your GP will be informed by the hospital.
Please tell your dentist at your next visit.
Please do tell airlines, if flying abroad, that you have a pacemaker, as you will be going through a metal detector and the alarms may sound. This will not harm your pacemaker in any way.
Please do have any faulty domestic electrical equipment repaired. Properly working equipment will not affect you pacemaker in any way.
Please do tell a hospital doctor or physiologist if you ever use a shotgun or rifle before your pacemaker is implanted.
Please do tell the hospital doctor or physiologist if you use high power radio or magnetic equipment (particularly in your place of work).
Please do discuss the use of mobile phones with the physiologists. Please do notify us of any change of address or doctor.
Please avoid closed contact with power magnets i.e. induction cooking hobs. Safe to remain greater 30 cm or 1 feet away.
Please do telephone the cardiac physiologists if you have any concerns or problems with your pacemaker, using this number: (01908) 997200.
Wound site:
Your nurse may redress your wound site before you go home. If your sutures need removing, you will need to contact your GP practice to make an appointment with either the practice nurse or the district nurse.
Your sutures will need to be removed 7 days after the procedure. The nurse will let you know before you go home the type of suture you have.
You will go home with a dressing on the wound, this can be removed 5 days after the procedure.
It is important to avoid getting this dressing wet. Sometimes there will be bruising at the area where the device was implanted, this is normal.
It is advisable to observe the site for any signs of infection.
If you have any of the following you will need to see your GP:
- the wound site becomes hot and red,
- the wound site becomes more painful or swollen,
- you have a raised temperature.
- the wound site begins to drain fluid.
Driving:
There are several different driving regulations which are related to having a pacemaker implant. Your doctor will highlight which specific driving regulations are relevant to you prior to discharge. Below are the current DVLA guidelines regarding driving after routine pacemaker without any history of collapse, these get changed so please keep updated by visiting GOV.UK website.
Please follow the above guidelines unless you have been told otherwise by your consultant in charge of your care. It is important to be aware of the driving regulation as this is a mandated in British law. Please ask for clarification if unsure.
Useful Contact details .
Cardiac Angiography 01908 996539 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 17:00)
Ward 17/Cardiology ward 01908 996419 24 hours a day
Cardiology Reception 01908 997197 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 17:00)
Cardiology Physiologist 01908 992700 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 17:00)
British heart foundation books are available from your nurse or on the website: www.bhf.org.uk