Post Atrial Fibrillation Radiofrequency Ablation Discharge Instructions
Call 602-234-2800 if you have any problems or questions.
What To Expect:
It is very common for patients have a sharp chest pain that usually worsens with inspiration. It can worsen over the first few days after the procedure and then gradually resolves over the next 2-3 weeks. Call the office if you develop chest pain of a different nature.
It is common for patients to feel recurrent palpitations after the procedure, even when successful. You may go back into atrial fibrillation shortly after you leave the hospital. We generally ignore atrial fibrillation recurrences for at least 8 weeks after the ablation.
Call if you experience:
Significant redness, heat, swelling, drainage or severe pain at your puncture site. If any bleeding occurs, hold direct pressure at the site until the bleeding stops and then call our office.
Fever of 100 degrees F or higher.
Lightheadedness or dizziness.
Visual problems or weakness in the arms or legs.
DO:
Shower as usual (even on the day of discharge). Don’t scrub the puncture site, wash gently with soap and pat dry.
Continue to take previous medications unless told otherwise at discharge.
You may be required to take a blood thinning medication, such as Coumadin (warfarin) for three to six months after the procedure. You will be required to have a blood test called an INR on a regular basis so the doctor may evaluate the dosage. The INR must be kept between 2.0 and 3.0 during this time.
You will need to come back to see us for a follow-up appointment at three months. Unless you are having problems, this appointment will be with a Physician Assistant. At that time, you may undergo an ECG, CT scan or other tests.
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