You or your child have undergone cardiac catheterisation and now you are ready to go home. Here is some information you may find helpful.
What about the wound after the procedure?
The small puncture wound should be kept clean. Your child shouldn’t have a bath for 24 hours after the procedure as this can cause complications to the site. Showering is acceptable. Dry the site thoroughly after washing.
On the rare occasion that a stitch has been used, this should be kept dry and arrangements will be made for it to be removed by either the chldren’s community nurse or the nurse at your GP surgery.
Pain
Your child may have a bruise at the puncture site(s).
Paracetamol should be sufficient pain relief if your child is experiencing some discomfort.
What about school and activities?
After keyhole investigations or treatment many patients can go home the same day although some need to stay a little longer. Children can be back to normal activities within a couple of days. Including returning to school unless you have been told otherwise.
Medicines
If your child has been prescribed any medicines in addition to their usual drugs, these will be provided before you leave the ward to go home. You must ensure that the full course is taken as directed.
Contact us
If you have any further questions, please contact:
The Children’s Cardiac Nurse Specialist Team
Available 08.00 – 16.00 Monday to Friday
For urgent queries outside of working hours please contact Ward 51.
Ward 51
Available 24 hours a day seven days a week.