Caring for Yourself after Percutaneous Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) or Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure HF#7226



You had an ASD or PFO closure on _________________ through the

 

RIGHT   /   LEFT  FEMORAL VEIN

 

Going Home

 

• Have someone drive you home.  You should not drive at all today.
• If medicine was used to help you relax during the procedure, you should not drive or make important personal or business decisions until the next day.
• Rest quietly for the rest of the day.

 

Care of the Incision

 

• You may shower 24 hours after the closure.  Remove the Band-Aid® over the site before taking a shower.  
• Gently clean the site with soap and water.  Pat it dry.  Leave the site open to the air.  Do this for three days.
• Keep the site clean and dry.

 

Activities for the Next 5 Days

 

• Do not lift more than 10 pounds.
• Do not strain.
• No vigorous activity.
• Do not sit in a bathtub, hot tub, or go into a swimming pool.

 

What to Expect

 

• Soreness or tenderness at the site.  This may last for one week.
• Small amount of bloody drainage at the site. 
• There may be a bruise at the site.  This could take 2-3 weeks to go away.
• A small lump (dime to quarter size) may form at the site.  This could last up to 6 weeks.

 

What to Do for Minor Pain

 

• You may take either Tylenol®  325mg tablets every 4-6 hours OR Motrin® /Ibuprofen 200 mg every 6-8 hours.

Signs and Symptoms of Infection

 

• Redness, swelling or drainage at the site
• Prolonged pain
• Fever over 101°F for two readings taken 4 hours apart

 

When and Who to Call

 

Call 911 for emergency help:

 

• If bleeding or sudden swelling should occur at the site.  Apply direct pressure to the site and call for help.  Continue to hold pressure until you get help.
• If your leg becomes numb, cold, or turns blue or you have severe pain.

 

Call the doctor right away if:

 

• You have any signs of infection.
• You have severe pain.
• You have chest pain or increased shortness of breath.

 

Return to Work

 

You may return to work on __________________________________.

 

Medicines

 

You will need to take both aspirin and Plavix® (clopidogrel) every day for the next 6 months or longer.  For the next 6 months, you will need to take antibiotics before certain medical procedures.  Your doctor will make the decision if you are to keep taking these medicines beyond the 6 months.  If you are not able to pay for these medicines, tell your nurse or pharmacist.

 

Keep taking your present medicines as prescribed.  Tell your doctor if you have any side effects.  Do not stop taking aspirin or Plavix® (clopidogrel) without consulting your cardiologist first.

 

Other instructions and follow-up plans

 

You will have a follow up echocardiogram at _____________ month (s).

 

Phone Numbers

 

UW Cardiovascular Medicine: (608) 263-1530. 

After hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, the paging operator will answer this number.  Ask for the cardiac doctor on call.  Leave your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

If yoy live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942.

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 03/15/2013

Copyright © 06/15/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7226

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