Wound Care after Cardiac Surgery or Cardiac Catheterization
Surgical
Wounds
There are two main types of cardiac operation: - Closed heart operation : the
wound is usually located at right or left lateral chest.
- Open heart operation: the wound
is usually located over the middle chest at the sternal bone region.
Most of the wounds are closed by absorbable sutures. Therefore, removal of suture is not needed
apart from the unabsorbed part outside the skin. Unabsorbable or unabsorbed suture will usually be removed 14 days after operation.
The wound can be covered with gauze. These can be changed
everyday. The nursing staff may give you
a “prescription” sheet for wound dressing at general outpatient clinic if the
wound is not completely healed. Please
pay attention to personal hygiene after discharge from hospital. Daily bathing is recommended, but the wound
should be kept dry and clean.
The timing of complete wound healing depends on different patients
and condition after operation. Avoid
stretching or direct impact on the wound.
Strenuous or heavy activities should be avoided when the
wound has not completely healed.
Other Wounds
Apart from the main surgical wound, there may be small wounds
after insertion of drains. These wounds usually heal faster and the care is the
same as the main wound.
Wound after Cardiac
Catheterization
Generally, the wounds after cardiac catheterization are located at the
groin area. Sometimes, puncture of the
neck or arm are performed. The wounds
are usually small and heal quickly.
Doctor will inspect the wound before discharge from hospital. The wound can be covered with adhesive plaster
(Band aid) until it heals with scab.
Please keep good hygiene of the skin.
The plaster should be changed after bath. Please observe for increasing swelling around
the puncture site. When bleeding occurs,
apply pressure with gauze to stop bleeding and go to the nearby Accident and
Emergency Department for treatment.
If there is redness, discharge or increasing swelling around the wound,
please contact the nursing staff of the Paediatric Cardiac Ward (Tel: 2255-5644)
for arrangement of early evaluation.
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