• Reference Number: HEY1226/2021
• Departments: Cardiology
• Last Updated: 30 June 2021

Introduction

This advice sheet has been produced to give you information about your Implantable Loop Recorder. It is not meant to replace discussion between you and the healthcare team If after reading it you require further explanation please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.

Wound Care

The device was implanted using local anaesthetic so you may experience some discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off. We advise that you take pain relief medication such as paracetamol if required when you get home.

The wound is closed using surgical glue that is as strong as a suture (stich) and forms a protective coating over the insertion site. You do not normally need a dressing over the top of the glue. The wound will usually heal quickly and the glue will wear off after 7 to 10 days. You should try not to pick at it the wound as it heals even if it feels a little itchy.

You can get the wound wet but should avoid soaking in the bath and actively washing the area. We advise that you pat the area dry rather than towelling vigorously until the glue has worn off the skin. You should avoid chlorinated water such as in swimming pools and hot tubs until the glue has disappeared from your skin.

If you notice any  redness, swelling or other signs of possible infection please contact your doctor or phone the Pacing clinic on tel: 01482 461561 for advice.

General Advice

You should avoid any heavy lifting or manual work for 3 to 4 days after the procedure to allow time for the wound to settle.

You will be followed up remotely using the home monitoring system and we may telephone you it we detect any issues. Therefore it is a good idea to keep a diary of any symptoms you experience that way should we detect any automatic recordings that may be significant we can assess how you were feeling at that particular time. The combination of your symptoms and any automatic detections helps us to decide on how to manage your future care.

You are only be permitted to drive after the procedure if your doctor has said it was safe for you to do so prior to the Loop Recorder insertion.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this advice sheet, please do not hesitate to contact the Clinic on telephone number: tel: 01482 461647 or tel: 01482 461561 or via email on: cardiologynursepractitioners@hey.nhs.uk

General Advice and Consent

Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team.

Consent to treatment

Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats you, they must seek your consent or permission. In order to make a decision, you need to have information from health professionals about the treatment or investigation which is being offered to you. You should always ask them more questions if you do not understand or if you want more information.

The information you receive should be about your condition, the alternatives available to you, and whether it carries risks as well as the benefits. What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. That means:

• you must be able to give your consent
• you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision
• you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person

Information about you

We collect and use your information to provide you with care and treatment. As part of your care, information about you will be shared between members of a healthcare team, some of whom you may not meet. Your information may also be used to help train staff, to check the quality of our care, to manage and plan the health service, and to help with research. Wherever possible we use anonymous data.

We may pass on relevant information to other health organisations that provide you with care. All information is treated as strictly confidential and is not given to anyone who does not need it. If you have any concerns please ask your doctor, or the person caring for you.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about you. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.

If you or your carer needs information about your health and wellbeing and about your care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.