Wound care following pacemaker/loop recorder implant

Wound Care Following Pacemaker / Loop Recorder Implant

Patient Information

Cardio-Respiratory Service

• Author ID:           CW / AD
• Leaflet Ref:         CCL 019
• Version:              6
• Leaflet title:         Wound Care Following Pacemaker /Loop Recorder Implant
• Date Produced:   August 2024
• Expiry Date:        August 2026

Introduction

Your wound has been closed by tissue adhesive (special glue).

• The surface of your wound has been closed using Liquiband tissue adhesive.  It can be used instead of normal sutures and skin staples.  Wounds closed using special glue will look different to wound which has been closed by the usual stitches or staples.  The glue has been applied to the surface of the skin of your wound to hold the wound edges together.
• The overall appearance can best be described as looking like a dry scab and should be treated like a scab – DO NOT PICK.
• Too much arm movement at the wound site should be avoided including heavy lifting and raising your arms above your head until you have had your first pacemaker check as an outpatient which you will receive in 4 weeks’ time.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes that could rub and cause you some discomfort over the wound site.
• Do not apply any medication or cream to the wound this may loosen the adhesive film.
• The wound site should be kept dry.  You may occasionally and briefly wet your wound but do not shower or bath during the first 48 hours.  Do not soak or scrub your wound in hot water for 7 to 10 days.  After showering or bathing gently blot your wound dry with a soft towel.
• The adhesive will come away from the skin naturally within 10 days.  Just like a normal scab, by this time the wound should be healed.
• The scar may take up to 6 months to fade.
• You may experience some discomfort around the wound for 24 to 48 hours. You may take Paracetamol or any other pain killer.  Note not more than 8 tablets of Paracetamol within a 24-hour period.
• You may experience some swelling around the Device and some bruising.

This is usually due to the implanted pacemaker/ loop recorder or may be a small amount of blood collected around the device.  This will usually settle, and no action is required. 

If you experience any of the following:

• The wound has increased swelling, redness or oozing. 
• The wound edge is showing signs of separation or the skin appearing thinner over the pacemaker/loop recorder.
• If you feel you have a raised temperature.

Please contact the Cardiology Department, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm

Tel: 01942 822445 or 01942 773018.

Or Cardiac Catheter Lab, Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm. 

Tel: 01942 773392

For any urgent issues outside of the above hours please attend A&E.