K2 Cardiac Day Unit: Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR) Implant/Explant Aftercare Advice

Post-procedure advice for patients who have had an ILR implanted or removed on the K2 Cardiac Day Unit.

This leaflet provides general wound care advice following an ILR insertion or removal where the site has been closed by medical glue.

First 5 days after the procedure

• Keep the dressing and wound site completely dry. Moisture can cause the glue to soften and peel off too early. This may compromise wound healing and increase the risk of infection.
• Avoid showers; have a sponge bath or carefully wash around the area.
• Some bruising or mild swelling is not uncommon and may look worse before it improves.
• You can take paracetamol if you feel any discomfort, although this is usually mild. The usual adult dose is 500 mg to 1,000 mg every 4 to 6 hours if needed. Do not take more than 4,000 mg (4 grams) in 24 hours. If you weigh less than 50 kg (7 stone 12 pounds), you may need a lower dose. In this case, the maximum daily amount should be based on your weight. If you're unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Do not take more than one medicine containing paracetamol at the same time.

After 5 days

• Remove the dressing and gently peel off any steri-strips, if present. Strei-strips should be dampened before being carefully removed.
• You may shower but avoid scrubbing the area and pat dry rather than rubbing.
• Avoid soaking the wound (no baths, swimming or hot tubs) until the glue naturally peels off. This usually takes 7-10 days. Do not pick at the glue, as this can cause the wound to reopen and/or become infected

Contact your GP if you experience any of the following

• Increasing pain, redness, heat or swelling around the wound
• Fluid or pus coming from the site
• Fever or feeling unwell
• The wound reopens.
• You are concerned about how the wound is healing.

If you have any urgent concerns, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.

MyChart

We would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals that enables patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospital’s electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or mobile device

More information is available on our website: MyChart

Contacts/further information

K2 Cardiac Day Unit

Tel: 01223 256233

Monday-Friday 07:30am-18:00pm