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Following the Lead Extraction Procedure
Following the Lead Extraction Procedure
After surgery, you'll be admitted to a monitored unit for overnight observation. If we implanted new leads or a pacemaker, we'll monitor your heart rhythms to ensure your pacemaker is functioning properly.
The following morning, we'll take chest x-rays to check the position of any new leads as well as the pacemaker.
After you go home
There will be several things you need to do to properly care for yourself after you leave the hospital. We may prescribe antibiotics, which you would need to take for a full five-day course. Check your temperature twice daily to determine if it is elevated, as this is a potential sign of an infection.
You will need to change the dressing over the incision once a day for seven days. Inspect the incision daily for redness, swelling or drainage. If you develop swelling, drainage, increased wound tenderness, increased redness or an elevated temperature, please notify us immediately at 650-723-7111, as these are all potential signs of an infection.
After the third day following the procedure, you may take off the "daily dressing" and shower. You can allow soap and water to run over the area but avoid scrubbing. Keep the force of the water from spraying directly on the incision and gently and thoroughly dry the incision with a towel. If we implanted a pacemaker, be careful not to lift or move the arm on the side of the device above your head for two weeks after implantation.
You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your physician within seven to 10 days of surgery. At this visit, the nurse and physician will check your incision and also assist you with guidelines for increasing your activity.
Day-to-day changes
After you go home, you may have some discomfort at the incision site. Your physician will give you some medication to make you more comfortable. You should slowly increase your activity over several days. Avoid heavy lifting, and activities that involve rough contact with the area where the pulse generator and leads are located.