Pacemaker/ICD, Device Lead Revision
Dr. Jim Stone and Dr. Keith Kyker Patients
You have a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. One or two of your leads are not working properly. This means that your device is not working as it should. Your doctor will make an incision over your device site, he will test the leads and decide if the lead/leads need to be repositioned, removed, or replaced. He may or may not exchange your device.
After the procedure your doctor will inform you and your family the results of the testing and the measures he took to correct the problem.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARE:
⦁ It is normal to have some discomfort in the area of the implant for the first week or two. You may take Tylenol for this discomfort. You may experience some bruising and swelling at the insertion site. This will improve.
⦁ You should avoid repetitive activity with affected arm/shoulder while sore.
⦁ If you are told NOT to drive, you will need to discuss with your doctor on your three (3) month follow-up appointment when you should resume driving.
⦁ Your incision may be closed with stitches, if so; they cannot be seen and will dissolve on their own. Your incision may be closed with staples, if so; they will be removed when you return for your office visit in 7-10 days.
⦁ In addition, if you develop a fever or chills, you need to notify your physician. Please call our office Monday-Friday from the hours of 8 am-5 pm at (662) 620-6800 and nights and weekends call the NMMC hospital at (662) 377-3000 and ask for the cardiologist on call.
⦁ Remove dressing daily and check for signs of infection. Look for the following signs: Redness, Swelling, Drainage, Warmth
⦁ Change your dressing daily. Do NOT apply any ointments, creams, or lotions to the incision site. A small gauze dressing should be reapplied each day and secured with tape.
⦁ Do NOT get your incision wet. Do NOT take a shower. You may take a sponge or tub bath.
⦁ You should receive an appointment to see a nurse in approximately 7-10 days. After you see the Device Nurse, you will need to start washing your incision. You may shower or continue taking a tube bath, whichever you prefer. You may leave the site open to air and no longer cover it with a dressing.
⦁ Activity:
⦁ You should avoid repetitive activity with affected arm/shoulder while sore.
⦁ Incision Site:
⦁ When changing your dressing you should observe the site.
⦁ There may be some normal bruising and swelling. This should improve.
⦁ If there is an increase in swelling you should call your doctor.
⦁ If there is continuous drainage (longer than 12 hours) on the bandage you should call your doctor.
⦁ Work: You may return to work as soon as you feel able to perform your usual work duties. You will need to discuss with your doctor and confirm a time that is appropriate for you to return to work.
⦁ Follow-up: You will be scheduled to come in to see the Device Nurse for a wound check in 7-10 days at one of the CANM clinics in Columbus, Oxford, Starkville or Tupelo. You will follow up with your doctor in three (3) months after the procedure (our office will call with the appointment date and time). If your device is not checked the day of your wound check, then you should have an appointment to see your doctor in one month following the procedure.
⦁ General Information: Currently pacemakers last 7-10 years and ICD's (defibrillators) last 5-7 years (approximately), before the battery will need replacing. Replacing the device battery is generally an outpatient procedure. Your device will tell us when the battery is approaching the end of life. This can only be determined by the checks done in our office or via the phone interrogation, so it is very important you keep all of your appointments. You will receive a registration card in the mail in 4-6 weeks to your home address. You should carry this card with you at all times.
⦁ Do NOT:
⦁ Manipulate or scratch the area around the incision as this may lead to infection..
⦁ Stand in the metal detectors or door monitors in stores for a long period of time. Walking through at a normal pace is fine.
⦁ Carry a cellular phone in a shirt/jacket pocket over the device. Using the phone is fine!
⦁ Work on electric generators while the machine is running.
⦁ Do NOT weld (If necessary, talk with your physician).
⦁ Your doctor or device representative will let you know if you can have a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study)
⦁ You may have a CT or regular X-ray.
⦁ Microwaves are fine!
⦁ Please contact our office from 8 am-5 pm Monday-Friday at 1-866-620-6800 or one of the following numbers, if you have any questions.
Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi
Tupelo (662) 620-6800
Oxford (662) 234-7441
Columbus (662) 327-3092
Starkville (662) 324-1475
After 5pm, holidays and weekends call the NMMC hospital at (662) 377-3000 and ask for the cardiologist on call.
⦁ Sedation: If you had sedation, please pay particular attention to the following instructions.
⦁ Do not drink alcoholic beverages including beer for 24 hours. This enhances the effects of anesthesia and sedation.
⦁ Do not drive a motor vehicle; operate machinery or power tools for 24 hours.
⦁ Do not make important decisions or sign important papers for 24 hours.
⦁ You may experience lightheadedness, dizziness and sleepiness following surgery. Please do not stay alone. A responsible adult should be with you for this 24-hour period.
⦁ Rest at home with moderate activity as tolerated. It may not be necessary to go to bed, however, it is important to rest for 24 hours following anesthesia.
⦁ Progress slowly to a regular diet unless your physician has instructed you otherwise.