After Catheter Ablation

You have had a procedure called catheter ablation. It was used to treat an abnormal heartbeat (called an arrhythmia). This procedure destroyed (or ablated) the cells in your heart that were causing this problem. During the procedure, the doctor put a thin, flexible wire (called a catheter) into a blood vessel in your upper thigh. The doctor then threaded it up to your heart.

How do I care for myself at home?

Driving.

• You won't be able to drive yourself home from the hospital. This is because you had medicine to relax you (called sedation). You will need to make plans to have someone drive you home.

• Do not drive for 24 hours after this procedure.

Activity.

• Rest for a day after the procedure. Don't climb more than 8-12 stairs for 1 day.

• You should be able to go back to your normal daily activities in 1 to 2 days. These include walking, climbing stairs, and doing household chores.

• Don't do any heavy physical activity for several days after the procedure. This will help you heal.

• Don't lift that weighs more that 5-10 pounds for 1 week. For example, a full gallon of milk weighs about 10 pounds.

• Ask your doctor when you can return to work.

• Avoid tub baths for 1 day. Showers are fine. 

Self care.

• To care for your wound:

  • Keep it clean and dry.

  • Don't rub or scratch near it for 2 days.

  • Remove the dressing after 1-2 days. For the next 3-5 days, place a clean band-aid on the wound each day.

• For 1 week, take your temperature and check your incision for signs of infection each day. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, drainage, or warmth near the wound. It is normal to have a small bruise or lump where the catheter went in.

• Take your medicines exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses. You may need to make some changes in your medicines because of this procedure. Be sure to go over how to take your medicines with your doctor before you go home.

• Learn to take your own pulse. Keep a record of your results. Ask your doctor which readings mean that you need medical help.

It is normal to have these.

• The wound may look a little red.

• The wound may be a little swollen for 7-10 days.

• Your doctor may use an AngioSeal on your wound. This helps close the wound and stop bleeding. It will dissolve inside your body. Until it dissolves, you may feel a knot under your skin.   

When will my abnormal heartbeat go away?

Ask your doctor what to expect about your heartbeat. Sometimes the irregularity goes away right after the procedure. Other times it may take longer to go away.

When do I follow up with my doctor?

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by your doctor. The doctor will see if your wound is healing. In many cases, one ablation is enough to treat an arrhythmia. But sometimes the problem comes back or another is found. If this happens, you may need a second procedure.