<human>: My 87 year old mother in law had a pace maker battery replaced now she has a hematoma about the size of a tennis ball cut in half just below her collar bone on the left side of her chest. She is supposed to see her doctor on Wednesday. Should we contact her doctor sooner.
<bot>: Hello, Thanks for posting your query on Chat Doctor ...* Brief Answer: hematoma in pacemaker pocket needs to be checked.*Explanation: My opinion is that post surgically pacemakers may develop some local complications such as hematomas, infection etc. I suggest my patients the following fix arm position with arm sling, keep on antibiotics and do the follow-ups. The information provided by you is not sufficient to provide a good opinion. If someone comes to me with this condition I would ask them about if any anti platelets or anticoagulants are taken by the patient. If so last INR range.*Conclusion: I suggest you check with your cardiologist.  If you have any further questions I will be happy to help, If not, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you good health.