Saroma

Serum versus Hematoma

by Heart-Rhythm-Center.com - 2018-08-03 22:14:26

Depends on what is causing the swelling. A seroma is a collection of fluid but not blood around the device underneath the skin; this will slowly resorb over a few weeks. A pocket hematoma is a collection of blood around the pacemaker device but underneath the skin; I find that subpectoral implants seem to be associated with more bleeding and thus wonder if perhaps you have a hematoma. The incidence of pocket hematoma has been reported at 4.9% and leading to prolonged hospitalization in 2.0%  of all patients.  Reoperation for pocket hematoma—to drain the collection of blood—was required in 1.0% of patients. High-dose heparinization, combined acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or aspirin)/thienopyridine (such as clopidogrel, Plavix®) treatment after coronary stenting, and low operator experience were independently predictive of hematoma development. In addition, development of postoperative hematoma places the patient at elevated risk of device infection.  Most hematomas resolve with watchful waiting and do not require a repeat surgery. They resolve over four to six weeks and can often have significant associated bruising, which also resolves over that time period. Worrisome signs include: continued swelling, redness, warmth, bleeding, oozing, or changes in the incision. It is important to call the implanting physician with any worries about incision or pocket healing. 

Hope this helps.

Seroma

by Ljm24 - 2018-08-11 19:52:56

hey thanks, it is a seroma according to the ultrasound. The seroma is not in the new incision (sub pectoral) but in the old incision (prepectoral).  I am now 9 weeks post surgery   The tech atultrasound said it has been too long to go away on its own?  Thanks for the post though