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After Endomyocardial Biopsy: Discharge Instructions

 

You have just had an endomyocardial biopsy. Your provider will go over the results with you. Be sure to ask any questions you have before you leave. Please read the instructions below on how to care for yourself at home.

 

Can I do my regular daily activities?

For the first 24 hours (1 day) after you leave the hospital:

  • DO NOT drive a car.
  • DO NOT rub the catheter site.
  • YOU CAN shower the next day.
  • YOU CAN remove the dressing before you shower. Gently wash the site and pat dry.
  • The Steri-Strips will fall off on their own; otherwise remove them after 4 days.

For the first week (7 days) after discharge:

  • DO NOT participate in any activities that are strenuous

 

If you had the biopsy through the neck or arm:

  • DO NOT do anything physical including housework, exercise and sexual activity for 24 hours (1 day).
  • YOU CAN resume activities of daily living after 24 hours (1 day).

If you had the biopsy through the leg / groin:

  • DO NOT do anything physical including housework, exercise and sexual activity for 72 hours (3 days).
  • YOU CAN resume activities of daily living after 72 hours (3 days).

What should I know about the puncture site? 

  • The puncture site in your neck, arm or groin will heal on its own in about a week.
  • At the puncture site it is normal to have:
  • Soreness
  • Bruising (brown, black or blue) 
  • If you notice any of the following, call the Cath Lab at (212) 263-5656:
    • Increased pain, swelling, redness or warmth at the puncture site
    • You have a temperature of 100.4oF (38oC) or higher
  • If there is any bleeding at the puncture site:
    • Put direct pressure (without stopping) at the puncture site for at least 10 minutes. Call the Cath Lab at (212) 263-5656.
    • NEVER TIE ANYTHING AROUND YOUR LEG OR ARM TO STOP THE BLEEDING (DO NOT use a tourniquet).
    • If the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes, call 911 or your local emergency number for assistance.

 

What are my medications?

  • You will get an After Visit Summary (AVS) at discharge. Your AVS will include a list of the medications you need to take at home. This list will give you information about the medications including doses, when to take them and how often.
  • If you have any questions about your medications, please call the Transplant Team at (833) 344-3278.

 

Do I need to watch my weight?

  • You will need to weigh yourself every day. This is very important.
  • Call the Transplant Team if you have any of the following symptoms:
  • You gain more than 3 pounds in a day.
  • You gain more than 6 pounds in a week.
  • You feel more short of breath with your normal daily activities than you did before your procedure.

 

Do I need to follow a special diet?

Your doctor or nurse practitioner (NP) will provide you with additional information about the diet you must follow. Make sure you ask any questions you might have. You will follow one of the diets below or another one as advised by your provider:

  • Diabetic
  • Low Sodium
  • Heart Healthy

 

When should I have a follow-up appointment?

  • You will need to go to the Transplant Clinic after you are discharged from the hospital but before you go home.
  • At the clinic, the Transplant Team will meet you for your follow-up.
  • We will call you 24 hours (1 day) after you leave the hospital to see how you are feeling.

 

 

©2023 NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.