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Discharge Instructions for Peripheral Catheterization

(NYU Langone-Tisch Hospital)
 

You had a procedure called a peripheral angiogram or peripheral angioplasty (ballooning) with or without stenting.

Your provider will go over the results with you. Please make sure to ask any questions you have before you leave. The information below will help you take care of yourself at home.

Can I do my regular daily activities?

For first 24 hours (1 day) after you leave the hospital:

  • DO NOT bend at the insertion site.
  • DO NOT drive.
  • DO NOT rub the catheter site.
  • YOU CAN shower tomorrow morning.
  • YOU CAN remove the dressing and gently wash the site. Then pat dry.
  • YOU CAN climb stairs slowly. Rest between flights of stairs.

 

For first 72 hours (3 days) after you leave the hospital:

  • DO NOT lift anything over 10 pounds. This includes carrying children.
  • DO NOT do anything physical. This includes housework, exercise and sex.
  • YOU CAN go back to your regular daily activities after 72 hours (3 days).

 

For first week (7 days) after discharge:

  • DO NOT play sports.
  • DO NOT take a bath, swim or soak in a tub. 

 

What do I need to know about the puncture site?

  • The puncture site in your groin or wrist will heal on its own. This takes about a week.
  • It is normal to have at the puncture site:
    • Soreness
    • Swelling or a small, hard bump under the skin
    • Bruising (black and blue)
  • If you have any bleeding at your puncture site:
  • Put direct pressure (without stopping) just above the site for at least 10 minutes.
  • If it is a groin puncture, lie down.
  • If it is a wrist puncture, sit down.
  • Call the Cath Lab at (212) 263-5656.
  • NEVER tie anything (a tourniquet) around your leg or arm to stop the bleeding.
    • If the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes, call 911 or your local emergency number for help.

  

What are my medications?

  • You will get an After Visit Summary (AVS) at discharge. Your AVS contains a list of the medications you need to take at home.
  • There are several medications that you may need to take after your procedure. Your cardiac interventionalist and primary doctor will decide how long you need to take these medications. You need to fill your prescription(s) right away. Always take all of your medications as prescribed without skipping doses.
  • Your medications may include:
    • Antiplatelets (Examples: Clopidogrel (Plavix®), Prasugrel (Effient®), Ticagrelor (Brilinta®), Aspirin and Cilostazol (Pletal®). This medication is vital because without it you can develop a blockage inside the stent. If you had a stent with your procedure, this type of medication:
      • Helps keep your stent open
      • Prevents thrombosis (blood clots) inside the stent
      • Important note: Always consult with your cardiologist before you stop taking antiplatelet medications.
    • Statins (Examples: Atorvastatin (Lipitor®), Rosuvastatin (Crestor®), Simvastatin (Zocor®). This type of medication:
      • Reduces inflammation (swelling) in your arteries
      • Lowers your cholesterol
    • Analgesics (Examples: Acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Extra-Strength Tylenol®). This type of over the counter (OTC) pain medication:
      • Relieves discomfort in the groin and/or chest after cardiac catheterization
      • Also, relieves mild headaches and other body aches
      • Instructions: Take 2 tablets every 6 hours (as needed). Check with your doctor or nurse practitioner (NP) which strength you should take. Also, check how many pills you can take in one day. 

 

Are there any additional instructions?

  • If you take Metformin (Glucophage; Glumetza®; Riomet®) or any other diabetic medications that contain metformin, such as Xigduo XR® (Dapagliflozin and Metformin), DO NOT take it for 48 hours after your procedure.  Metformin can interact with the contrast you had during the procedure.   
  • Keep your stent and/or puncture site closure cards in your wallet for future health care visits.
  • You will be receiving a call from a nurse clinical care coordinator on our Transition in Care team within 72 hours (3 days). During this call, the nurse will:
    • Ask you how you are feeling
    • Review your discharge instructions
    • Check if you are having any signs and symptoms after your procedure such as those listed in the blue box below.
  • If you have not heard from this team, please call their office between 8:30am - 6:00pm, Monday to Friday at (212) 404-4413 or leave a message and they will return your call. 

 

When should I have a follow-up appointment?
You need to see your health care provider in 2-4 weeks after your procedure or as advised by your care team. Please call your provider’s office tomorrow to make a follow-up appointment.

When to Contact Your Health Care Team

Call the Cath Lab at (212) 263-5656 if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms:

  • Increased pain, swelling, redness or warmth at the puncture site
  • Numbness, coldness, tingling or cramping in your arm or leg below the puncture site
  • Fever of 100.8°F (38°C) or higher

 

 © 2023 NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.