Can loosening arm rules after heart device surgery improve recovery?

NCT ID NCT04915261

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 08, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study compares lenient versus strict arm restrictions for 6,300 patients who receive a heart device like a pacemaker. The goal is to see if fewer restrictions reduce complications such as lead dislodgement, frozen shoulder, blood clots, and hematomas, while also improving patient comfort. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of two instruction sets, which will change every 8 months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: arm restriction instructions (lenient vs strict)
What this could lead to: If lenient restrictions work as well or better, patients could have less pain, anxiety, and faster recovery after heart device surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a behavioral study, not a drug trial, so the impact is limited to post-surgery care. Results may not apply to all hospitals or patient groups.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Hematoma Infections Postoperative Complications

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

POST-OP COMPLICATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Ottawa Heart Institute
RECRUITING

Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4W7, Canada

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