What to expect on my procedure date

SECTION 2

Groin care at home

Your catheters entered through small punctures in blood vessels, usually in the groin. Protecting these sites helps prevent bleeding while they heal.

What is commonly expected?

Mild tenderness and bruising are common after ablation. Bruising can spread down the thigh and change color as it fades. A small, stable lump may also occur.

Increasing pain, a growing lump, rapidly expanding swelling, or active bleeding should not be treated as routine bruising.

Keeping the area clean

• You may shower. Follow the discharge instructions for when to remove the dressing.
• When showering, gently wash the area and pat it dry. Do not scrub.
• Do not apply creams, powders, lotions, or ointments unless your team instructs you to.
• Do not use swimming pools, hot tubs, or bathtubs for the first 7 days. If the puncture sites are not fully healed after a week, continue avoiding soaking and contact your care team.
• Check the sites each day for bleeding, swelling, redness, warmth, or drainage.

What if a puncture site starts bleeding?

Lie flat and apply firm, direct pressure over the puncture site with a clean cloth. Have someone help you if possible.

Call 911 for heavy bleeding, bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure, rapidly expanding swelling, or bleeding accompanied by faintness or weakness. Continue pressure while help is coming. Do not drive yourself.

When should I call the care team?

• New or increasing groin pain or swelling.
• A lump that grows or becomes painful.
• Persistent oozing or drainage.
• Redness, warmth, fever, or other concerns about infection.

Seek urgent medical care for a leg that becomes cold, pale, numb, or weak, or for severe leg or groin pain.

The key idea: Bruising is common; active bleeding and worsening swelling need attention.