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What will happen before I leave hospital?
A cardiac physiologist will explain how to activate your monitor and how to set up remote monitoring when the ICM is put in. They will tell you when it is appropriate to send a recording from home (all appointments are performed remotely). They will give you an information sheet with this information included.
The nurse will clean the wound and apply a new dry dressing. You should try and leave this in place for five days.
The wound will be closed with medical adhesive (glue).
How should I care for my wound at home?
We recommend you relax at home and rest the arm
- Your dressing should be kept clean and dry
- Do not immerse the wound site in water for five days. If you do bath or shower within this time, try to keep the dressing dry
- After 5 days, remove the dressing
- If you notice any redness, swelling or experience pain from the site please contact us
- If you have any discomfort in the shoulder, take painkillers as advised by your doctor
Should I limit my activities?
Please continue your activities as normal. If your job is physical (for example, heavy lifting), then please avoid for 24 hours.
What happens next?
A detailed report will be sent to your GP.
If the hospital doctor would like to see you again in the outpatients clinic, an appointment will be sent out to you through the post.
Please help yourself to any of the information booklets available on the ward.
Feel free to talk to your nurse about any concerns you may have or any health education you feel you may benefit from.
Contact details for the Cardiac Care Unit
If you have any concerns about your wound site, or specific to your cardiac procedure during your first week at home, please contact us.
Other useful contacts
Cardiac Department
Outside these hours, please leave a message and the physiologist will return your call when they are available.
01273 696955
Ext. 64090
Monday to Friday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
For more general concerns, please contact your GP, or if it is an urgent health issue contact NHS 111 for advise or 999 for paramedic assistance.
This leaflet is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.