Catheter Ablation: Recovery at Home

You may have swelling, bruising, or a small lump where the catheters were inserted. This is normal and should heal in 3 to 4 weeks.

The 24-Hour Safety Rule

If you received a sedative, your reaction time is slowed. For 24 hours:

  • DO NOT drive or operate machinery.
  • DO NOT make legal decisions or sign documents.
  • Wait until the medicine wears off and you can think clearly.

Activity Guidelines

Do not do strenuous exercise, lift, pull, or push anything heavy until your doctor says it is okay.

If inserted in the GROIN:

Try not to walk up stairs for the first couple of days.

If inserted in the ARM:

Do not bend your wrist deeply for the first couple of days. Be careful using your hand to get out of chairs or bed.

Incision Care

Hygiene & Healing

  • Bandage: Keep covered for 1-2 days.
  • Ice: Use ice packs for 10-20 minutes (with a cloth between ice and skin) for soreness.
  • Showering: Ok after 24-48 hours. Pat dry.
  • No Soaking: No baths for 1 week.

If Bleeding Occurs:

A small amount of blood on the bandage is normal.

If you are actively bleeding: Lie down and press on the area for 15 minutes. If it does not stop, call your doctor or seek emergency care.

When to Call for Help

Call 9-1-1 Immediately

Call if you lose consciousness (pass out). Also call for:

  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • Sudden shortness of breath.
  • Sudden numbness or weakness (Stroke signs).
  • Sudden vision changes or confusion.

Call Your Doctor Now

  • Lump: A fast-growing, painful lump at the catheter site.
  • Infection: Red streaks, pus, warmth, or fever.
  • Circulation: Leg or hand feels cold, numb, tingly, or turns blue.
  • Bleeding: Bleeding from the site that does not stop with pressure.