, to keep the walls wide open. The doctor will let the air out of the balloon and remove the catheter.
Your doctor will apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. The doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.The procedure takes about 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
You will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be watched closely. The staff will check for groin or arm bleeding. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain. You will have to lie flat for a few hours if your procedure is done through the groin. After a few hours, you can begin to walk around with help. Some people are allowed to go home after the procedure. Others have to stay overnight or longer. � �
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Monitor and control your blood pressure and cholesterol level. Follow your treatment plan for these conditions.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. This will help flush the dye out of your body.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work, driving, or sex
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. � �
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Eat a healthy balanced diet.
- Avoid foods high in fats and salt.
- If you are a smoker, stop smoking.
- Exercise regularly.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding at the wound site or bruising where the catheter went into the skin
- Infection
- Tissue damage
- Plaque build-up in the same area or different areas
- An allergic reaction to the contrast dye
- Allergy or kidney problem from the dye used
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute � �
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pad/treatment.html � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �