Steri-strips or special tapes placed over the incision should be left alone until they fall off. The dissolvable stitch at the end of the incision is left to fall out on its own. However, if the area around the stitch becomes red, irritated or has drainage, the stitch should be removed by your local doctor or home care nurse. If stitches are still in place where the chest tubes were, they should be removed by your local doctor or home care nurse 3-5 days after the tubes were taken out. Allow your child to play at his or her own pace.
Children are good at limiting their own activity.
Do not lift them under their arms. There are individual variations to these restrictions. Talk with your cardiologist about your child's individual needs. Talk with your family doctor about this. Arrive 45 minutes early for x-ray.