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After Your Catheterization
Once the catheterization or catheter-based intervention
is complete, the catheter is removed and firm pressure is applied on your
leg for approximately 30 minutes to stop any bleeding. A large, tight
bandage is then placed on the insertion site before you leave the catheterization
laboratory.
After your catheterization, you will need to remain lying down for 6 to 8 hours in a recovery area or your hospital room. You will be asked not to move your leg or arm where the catheter was inserted for six to eight hours to prevent bleeding. You will be allowed to resume eating and drinking during this time. Most people have no pain after catheterization. Many patients go home from the hospital the same day, while others stay overnight. This depends upon the medications given during the procedure or the need for monitoring overnight.
You will be watched carefully after the procedure. A nurse will check your blood pressure and the insertion site frequently to make sure there is no bleeding. Your doctor may also come in to check on you. The x-ray dye may cause you to urinate more than usual, and you may be asked to drink a lot of fluid to help flush the dye out of your system.
Tell your nurse if:
• You feel any chest pain or discomfort at the insertion site.
• The arm or leg used for insertion becomes numb or cold.
• You feel warmth or wetness around the insertion site.
After your catheterization, you will need to remain lying down for 6 to 8 hours in a recovery area or your hospital room. You will be asked not to move your leg or arm where the catheter was inserted for six to eight hours to prevent bleeding. You will be allowed to resume eating and drinking during this time. Most people have no pain after catheterization. Many patients go home from the hospital the same day, while others stay overnight. This depends upon the medications given during the procedure or the need for monitoring overnight.
You will be watched carefully after the procedure. A nurse will check your blood pressure and the insertion site frequently to make sure there is no bleeding. Your doctor may also come in to check on you. The x-ray dye may cause you to urinate more than usual, and you may be asked to drink a lot of fluid to help flush the dye out of your system.
Tell your nurse if:
• You feel any chest pain or discomfort at the insertion site.
• The arm or leg used for insertion becomes numb or cold.
• You feel warmth or wetness around the insertion site.
Text provided by Andrew Michaels, M.D., Tony Chou, M.D., and Laura Kee, R.N., Ph.D.,
Division of Cardiology, University of California San Francisco
Medical Illustration/Animation by http://www.meristemstudios.com/
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