WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE ANGIOPLASTY?

After the procedure, you may not be returned to your room. Instead, you will be taken to an intensive care unit for monitoring for 12-24 hours. Since you have been given heparin (a blood thinner), the sheath in your leg will be left in place for between 4 to 8 hours, till your blood clots properly. You will need to keep your leg straight during this time and refrain from bending it. However, the other leg may be bent. Once the effect of heparin is over, the sheath will be removed. After sheath removal, you will be required to lie on your back and keep your leg straight for another 6-8 hours, to prevent bleeding from the groin. A tight bandage or sand bag (weight) will be' applied over the groin to prevent bleeding. The nurse will periodically monitor your leg during this time. Lying flat in your bed for so long is difficult for most people. Some may even experience severe back ache during this time. However, if you are mentally prepared for this, it will help. Remind yourself that the backache is a minor inconvenience which will go away in a few hours when you are allowed to sit up.

You will be allowed to sit up 6-8 hours after the sheath is removed and may walk a few hours later. Most patients can be discharged 1 or 2 days after the angioplasty and resume work immediately thereafter.

On leaving the hospital either no bandage or a small Band-Aid dressing is all that is necessary for the groin. There may be slight tenderness and bluish discolouration at the site of the puncture in the groin. This disappears within a few days.

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Cardio & Blood

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  • Heart disease: origins of disease
• Medical therapy: treatment of angina pectoris
  • What happens after the angioplasty?
  • Heart diseases: diagnosis - no can do
  • How to live with high blood pressure
• Diagnostic investigations: clinical laborotarytests - special investigations - echocardiography & cardiac scintiscan
• Coronary angioplasty’s questions
• Heart disease prevention and cure: diagnosis
  • Coronary angioplasty notes for the family