OUTPATIENT PROCEDURE: DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Electrophysiologic (EP) Testing
Catheter Ablation Procedures
Head Up Tilt Testing (HUTT)

Return home, relax and avoid strenuous activities
No lifting over 10 pounds on the day of your test
No driving on the day of your test
You should be able to resume normal activities on the day after your test

You may resume your regular diet as long as you are not feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting. If you experience vomiting, avoid foods or liquids for 2-4 hours and then try to sip clear liquids (water, Koolaid, Gatoraid, broth etc) during the next 1-2 hours. Avoid drinking too much.

Your doctor may advise that it is no longer necessary to take certain medicines based on the results of your procedure. If you are not sure, please ask. Medications unrelated to your heart rhythm problem are generally unaffected by the procedure and are continued.

It will not be unusual for your groin area to be sore for 2-3 days. This should get better, not worse, during this 2-3 day period.

It is not unusual to feel chest pain or discomfort if you have had an ablation. This is usually felt as a slight burning sensation, usually in the center of the chest and often gets worse when you take a deep breath. This discomfort should also get better in 2-3 days. If not, call you doctor. Sometimes the doctor will place a catheter into your heart from the area below your right collarbone. This area can also be sore for 2-3 days and is also expected to get better.

You may shower on the day after the procedure but care must be taken to dry the groin areas. Do not use oinments or powders on the groin site. You may take a bath no sooner than 5 days from the procedure.

Fever
Bleeding, redness, swelling or pus coming from the groin sites
Sudden pain in the groin area
An enlarging knot near the groin site
Numbness in your arm, hand or leg
Any symptom that you may feel is worrisome