Discharge Instructions for Micra Pacemaker Device Implantation

You have had a procedure to implant the Micra pacemaker device. A Micra pacemaker is a wireless medical device that stimulates your heart muscle to beat when needed. It is different from other pacemaker in that it does not have leads and it is placed inside your heart. A pacemaker can ease symptoms of heart rhythm disturbances by restoring a normal heart rate. A normal heart rate will give your body the proper amount of blood. Without the proper amount of blood flow you may experience tiredness, dizziness and shortness of breath. Although a pacemaker may calm or improve your symptoms, it does not cure heart disease.

During the procedure your Micra pacemaker was put in through a catheter placed in a large vein in the groin area of your leg. Through this catheter your pacemaker was placed into the right ventricle of your heart and anchored in place. After the pacemaker was put in, the catheter was removed from your vein and your doctor closed the small puncture in your groin. As you recover, follow the instructions below.

Activity

• Plan to have someone drive you home after the procedure.
• For the first 24 hours after the procedure:
  • Do not operate heavy machinery
  • Do not make any important decisions or sign legal documents.
• For the first 48 hours after the procedure:
  
  • Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds.

Home Care

• Follow your normal diet unless told otherwise.
• Always wash your hands before touching your puncture site.
• Do not use any lotions, creams or ointments near your puncture site.
• Do not take any tub baths or submerge your puncture site in water for 5 days.
• You can shower and remove the bandage after 24 hours.
• You may see a spot of blood on the bandage when you remove it for the first time. That is normal.
• Keep the site clean by washing gently with soap and water when you shower.
• Look at your site daily to check for signs of infection such as swelling, redness or drainage.
• You may have some soreness and bruising at the site. It should get better in the next 2-3 days.
• It is okay to take mild pain medication such as Tylenol to help with any discomfort.
• You should not have any bleeding from your site. If you do have bleeding follow these instructions:
  • Lie down on a firm surface – the floor is better than a couch or bed.
  • Hold firm pressure directly on the site for at least 30 minutes.
  • If someone is with you have them hold pressure for you.
  • Call your cardiologist’s office for more directions.
  • Call 911 to evaluate whether you need to be taken to the hospital.

 Taking Medications

• Take your medications exactly as told by your doctor. Do not skip doses.

Special Instructions about your Micra Pacemaker

• Before you receive any treatment, tell all healthcare providers (including your dentist) that you have a pacemaker.
• You will be given a temporary ID card that contains information about your pacemaker when you are discharged from the hospital.
• Always carry this card with you. It is important that you do not leave the hospital without it.
• Your permanent card will be mailed to you within 6 weeks. If you have not received your card within 6 weeks contact Medtronic Patient Registration Services at 1-800-551-5544.
• Show this card if you ever need to have an MRI. Your pacemaker should be compatible with most MRI equipment.

• Avoid strong electrical fields. Items that do make strong electromagnetic fields should be kept at least 6 inches away from your pacemaker. Some of the items you may come into contact with include:

  • Handheld kitchen appliances such as electric mixers.
  • Sewing machines.
  • Personal care items such as corded handheld hair dryers, corded electric shavers or electric massagers.
  • Electric yard and handheld power tools (plug-in or cordless)
  • Car engines
  • Welding equipment
• If you have questions about any specific device please ask a healthcare professional for advice.

When to seek medical attention

Call 911 right away if you have:

• Chest pain that does not go away quickly.
• Sudden shortness of breath.
• Bleeding at the puncture site that does not stop quickly.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Pain, swelling, redness, bleeding or drainage at the puncture site.
• Coldness, numbness, or a bluish color in the leg that the catheter was inserted through. If your cardiologist’s office is closed, go to the Emergency Department (ED).
• Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• You notice new or recurring heart rhythm symptoms such as extreme tiredness, racing heart, pounding heart and feeling faint or dizzy.