Wound care
You have had a small puncture in your groin directly into the artery. Bruising is very common after this. Should you notice any swelling, bleeding, discharge at the groin site, or a raised temperature, please seek advice from your GP/practice nurse. Should your groin start to bleed: lie down and put pressure over the area for 10 mins. If the bleeding does not stop please seek urgent medical attention. When washing do not put soap directly on to your wound and keep the area as dry as possible.
Do not rub the wound until it has completely healed. Occasionally the puncture site (wound) is sealed with a stitch in your groin that needs to be removed in 7-10 days by the practice/ district nurse. Sometimes a special skin glue or dissolvable stitches are used. The nurses will discuss this with you at discharge.
Recovery
It varies from person to person to recover from a TAVI but on average it takes at least 4-6 weeks from procedure date. Remember to take things gradually and have a rest/sleep when you feel you need it.
Sometimes there is a tendency to feel weepy for no apparent reason. You may also feel irritable, restless and your sleep may be disturbed. These feelings are considered normal after surgery and will not last. If your symptoms do persist contact your GP.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
In the weeks following your TAVI, you will be invited to attend a cardiac rehabilitation programme (lasting 8 weeks) designed to get you involved in gentle exercise and health education sessions. This is optional but highly recommended.
If you live in the Blackpool area, following discharge home you will be contacted by one of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team to discuss your recovery and option of attending. If you live outside of the Blackpool area, you will be referred to the cardiac Rehabilitation Team within your local area.
• Week 1- take things easy, no heavy lifting for 4 weeks, keep mobile around your home to avoid bloods clots in the legs and lungs. Gradual introduction of exercise: for example in the first week walk around your house and perhaps short walks outside.
• Week 2-3: gradually increase the activities in your house; you may feel strong enough to have a short visit to the shop for light items.
• Week 3-6 You should be able to manage daily household tasks, but please avoid any heavy lifting/ excessive pulling/ pushing.
It is suggested that walking is one of the best exercises as you can gradually increase the speed as your body allows. It is important to remember that you may have other medical conditions that limit your activities. Do not do any heavy lifting for at least 4 weeks
Driving
If you have a valid driving licence you must NOT drive for 4 weeks post procedure. This is a legal requirement from the DVLA. You are not required to inform the DVLA but must inform your insurance company to avoid your insurance being invalid. The British Heart Foundation can advise should you have any problems with insurance using telephone number 08450 708070.
Holidays/ Flying
It is advised that you do NOT fly for at least 4 weeks post procedure. You can holiday in this country whenever you feel up to it. When flying abroad, your new valve will not set off the metal detectors at the airport.
Dental work
When visiting the dentist, inform them that you have had a TAVI (tissue valve) as they may wish to provide antibiotic cover for any treatment you have. It is also recommended that you have good oral hygiene to prevent any bacteria getting into the blood stream and causing infection.
If you work, the TAVI team will advise you when to return depending upon your individual circumstances and the type of work you do. In general we would normally recommend at least 2-4 weeks recovery.
If you have had a Pacemaker fitted following your procedure – you will receive information from the Pacing Department. Your first follow up with the Pacing Team will be approximately 4 weeks after implantation of the device.
Follow up will be in TAVI Clinic in the cardiac outpatients in approximately 6-8 weeks. You will be sent an appointment. At this appointment you will have an ECG and your blood pressure checked. In the meantime if you have any queries or concerns please contact Heart Valve Nurses: 01253 956359 Between 8.30am - 4pm. Please leave a message and someone will return your call as this message service is regularly checked throughout the day
Other useful numbers
British Heart Foundation:
Tel: 0300 300 3322
Website: www.bhf.org.uk
Heart Valve Voice:
Tel: 07399 606386
Website: www.heartvalvevoice.com
