Recovery after TAVI: from the ward to full activity

The leaflets retrieved here come from four NHS trusts and they do not agree on every point, particularly driving. The table gives each trust's figure where it matters. Your own discharge sheet is the version to follow, because it reflects the way your hospital performed the procedure.

Most of the information concerns a valve placed through an artery in the groin. Plymouth notes that a chest incision approach means longer restrictions and a longer hospital stay for some routes, so check which route you had.

Hull says to remove dressings after 24 hours and avoid bathing for three days. Plymouth says shower rather than bathe, avoid creams and soaps on the wound for up to a week, and that a pea-sized lump under the skin is normal. Leeds says stitches are removed after 5 to 7 days by the practice nurse.

If the groin bleeds, Plymouth says to apply firm pressure; if the bleeding continues beyond 10 minutes, call 999, and Leeds gives the same 10-minute threshold. Hull advises contacting your GP for a red or swollen wound and getting a painful or enlarging lump assessed.

Hull, Plymouth and Leeds each say four weeks before driving; South Tees says two weeks. Hull adds that holders of lorry or passenger-carrying licences must wait three months and notify the DVLA. GOV.UK separately says to tell the DVLA if you are still unable to drive three months after an operation. Wear your seatbelt, make sure it is comfortable and tell your insurer about the procedure.

Plymouth describes avoiding strenuous activity for four weeks, with two weeks added after a chest incision, and flying after about one week with a groin incision. Hull says walks start at 5 to 10 minutes in week one, no heavy lifting for four weeks, and gradual progression over six weeks. Leeds describes walking stages from 5 minutes up to 30 minutes or more, with each stage lasting at least two days. South Tees says most usual activities can resume almost immediately. Return to work depends on your health and job, so ask the TAVI team.

Plymouth describes a lifelong blood thinner, usually clopidogrel or aspirin, and Leeds says many people take aspirin or an equivalent for life unless already on anticoagulants. Hull describes newly started medicines at discharge and recommends professional dental cleaning every six months, with antibiotic cover before major dental procedures.

Plymouth lists extractions, scaling below the gumline and gum manipulation as procedures needing antibiotic prophylaxis. Follow-up includes a first review at 6 to 8 weeks with an echocardiogram at South Tees and Leeds, and Hull describes an echo at six weeks, a specialist nurse call at eight weeks, and an echo at one year followed by yearly checks.

• Groin bleeding that continues after 10 minutes of firm pressure: call 999.

• Chest pain, fainting, new breathlessness or a very slow or irregular heartbeat: 999.

• A red, swollen or discharging groin, or a lump that is painful or growing: contact your GP or the TAVI team the same day.

• Fever after dental work, or any infection signs: seek urgent advice, because heart valve infection is serious.