After CardioMEM Implantation
You just had a procedure called CardioMEM implantation. During the procedure, a thin tube called a catheter was used to place (implant) the CardioMEM device into the wall of the pulmonary artery. This device helps you and your doctor monitor your heart pressures. By monitoring the heart pressures you can recognize problems early and treat the problems before a hospital stay is needed. If problems occur your doctor may make changes to your medication or your diet. As you recover, follow the instructions below.
Activity
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after the procedure.
- Do not make any important decisions or sign any legal documents for 24 hours after the procedure.
- Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 24 hours after the procedure.
- You can resume your normal activity after 24 hours.
- You can resume your normal diet.
Home care
- You can shower and remove the bandage after 24 hours.
- Always wash your hands before you touch the catheter insertion site or remove/change the bandage.
- Keep the insertion site clean and dry.
- Wash the site gently with soap and water.
- Do not use any lotions or ointments near the site.
- Look at the site daily to check for signs of infection such as swelling, redness or drainage.
- You may notice some soreness and bruising at the insertion site. It should get better in the next 2-3 days.
- You may see a spot of blood on the bandage when you remove it for the first time. That is normal.
- If you have any uncontrolled bleeding or swelling hold pressure directly to the site for 15 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop continue to hold pressure on the site and call your health care provider's office.
Taking medications
- Take your medications exactly as directed. Do not skip doses.
- You may need a mild pain medicine such as Tylenol for the first 24 hours.
- You should be prescribed an antiplatelet medication such as Clopidogrel (Plavix), Prasugrel (Effient), or Ticagrelor (Brilinta) and an Aspirin (81mg). This is needed to prevent blood clots. Do not stop taking this medication for any reason unless you talk to the cardiologist. If you stop taking this medication too early you can increase your risk of a heart attack and death.
- If you cannot afford your medication please talk with your health care provider.
When to seek medical attention
Call 911 right away if you have:
- Chest pain that does not go away
- Bleeding at the catheter insertion site that does not stop
- Sudden shortness of breath
Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following:
- Pain, swelling, redness, bleeding, or drainage at the insertion site
- Coldness, numbness, or a bluish color in the leg or arm that held the catheter. If your health care provider's office is closed, go to Emergency Department (ED)
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Shortness of breath that gets worse, feeling very tired, chest pain or sudden weight gain of >3 pounds overnight or 5 pounds in one week