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DownloadDuring this procedure, doctors access the mitral valve with a thin tube called a catheter that is guided through a vein in your leg to reach your heart. A small implanted clip (sometimes more than one) is attached to your mitral valve to help it close effectively.
The following advice will help you care for your wound.
Keep the site clean and dry to prevent infection.
Most people do not have any pain or discomfort following the procedure. If, however, you feel any discomfort from the puncture site, you may find taking simple painkillers such as paracetamol will help.
It is also normal to develop bruising that can last up to two weeks. Some people develop a small lump on the site of their wound (1.5 to 2.5cm in size) that may last up to six weeks.
You may resume normal activity in two days.
Please contact us if:
It is highly unlikely that your wound will start to bleed, but if it does lie down flat and get a family member or friend to apply pressure on and above the bleeding area. The pressure should be applied for 10 minutes without peeping. This is the time a clot will take to form.
If you release the pressure before 10 minutes the clot is unlikely to form. If the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes, call an ambulance immediately and continue to apply pressure.
A detailed report will be sent to your GP which will be copied to you.
If the hospital doctor would like to see you again in the outpatients clinic, an appointment will be sent out to you through the post.
If you have any concerns about your groin site, or any concerns about your cardiac procedure during your first week at home, please contact us.
Telephone number: 01273 696955, extension 64484. You can call this number at any time.
Another useful contact:
Structural heart nurses: 07769286982 Email: uhsussex.structuralheartnurses@nhs.net
For more general concerns, please contact your GP.
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information here is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Publication Date: November 2021
Review Date: August 2024