Ablation of atrial fibrillation – precautions on arriving home
You may develop a bruise in the right-hand groin area around your incision. This bruise may spread downwards and even down your leg due to the force of gravity and should be no cause for concern as long as your groin area continues to feel soft and supple. Feeling slightly sore in the groin area is entirely normal, and some will experience a small pea-sized spherical swelling.
If, however, you start bleeding or develop a more significant swelling/blood accumulation in the groin area, you must lie down and put pressure on your incision. Either contact us or another medical provider.
During the first week after surgery, you must avoid stress to the groin area by e.g. avoiding heavy lifting and long walks. In other words, only resume physical activities more than one week after surgery.
Many patients experience slight pains/pressure/a dull ache in the chest for a couple of days after treatment. If you experience this, Panodil 1g max X 4 a day may be taken to ease discomfort.
Continue taking your usual medical until your outpatient check-up three months after the procedure (unless otherwise agreed with your cardiologist on discharge).
Many patients experience palpitations after the procedure. Atrial fibrillation may occur after the procedure due to an irritation of the cardiac scar tissue. Thus, this is not an indication of the procedure being ineffective. Some experience an increase in the number of attacks during the first 2-3 months after surgery, after which time the symptoms usually decrease. For this reason, the actual effectiveness of the procedure can only be ascertained after three or more months.
If you experience palpitations/atrial fibrillation, we suggest the following:
- If the symptoms are the same as before the procedure, wait and see if the attack spontaneously abates.
- If the symptoms are different than usual, you are recommended to seek assistance from your general practitioner with a view to having an ECG.
- If the attack is intolerable or lasts for longer than 24 hours, you should be admitted to your local hospital with a view to receiving "shock" treatment (DC conversion) within 48 hours.
- In case of frequent relapses after surgery, stronger heart medication may be required to stabilise your heart rhythm. Your general practitioner may refer you to your local hospital with a view to changing your medication. In the case of frequent relapses, wWe would often suggest prescribing Cordarone/Amiodarone for 2-3 months. This is well-tolerated by most patients without significant side effects.
It is a good idea to record the frequency and duration of any symptoms and bring this information to your outpatient check-up.
In case of strong chest pains, difficulty breathing or fainting, please seek immediate medical assistance.
Always feel free to contact us on: +45 87 20 30 40.
Best regards
PRIVATE HOSPITAL MOLHOLM
Heart Clinic
