What To Expect After Catheter Ablation
After the procedure, youre moved to a special
care unit where you lie still for 4 to 6 hours of recovery. Lying still
prevents bleeding at the site where the catheter was inserted.
While youre in the special care unit,
youre connected to special devices that measure your hearts
electrical activity and blood pressure. The nurses check these monitors
continuously. Nurses also check to make sure that theres no bleeding at
the catheter insertion site.
Going Home
Your doctor determines whether you need to stay
overnight in the hospital. Some people go home the same day. Others need to
stay overnight for 1 or more days.
Before you go home, your doctor will tell you:
- Which medicines you need to take
- How much physical activity you can do
- How to care for the area where the catheter was
inserted
- When to see the doctor again
Driving after the procedure may not be safe. Your
doctor will let you know if you need to arrange for someone to drive you
home.
Recovery and Recuperation
Recovery from catheter ablation is usually quick.
You may feel stiff and achy from lying still for 4 to 6 hours after the
procedure. In addition, a small bruise may form at the site where the ablation
catheter was inserted. The area may feel sore or tender for about a week. Most
people are able to return to normal activity in a few days.
Talk to your doctor about signs and symptoms to
watch for. Let your doctor know if you have problems such as:
- A constant or large amount of bleeding at the
catheter insertion site that you cant stop with a small bandage
- Unusual pain, swelling, redness, or other signs
of infection at or near the catheter insertion site
- Strong, rapid, or other irregular heartbeats
- Fainting
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