Bleeding or Hematoma After Cardiac Catheterization

You recently had cardiac catheterization. A catheter was put into your body through a puncture site in your groin or arm. You now have bleeding from this site. When bleeding occurs, it may drip or spurt from the site or it may collect in a lump (hematoma) under the skin. In the emergency department, pressure will be put on the site to stop bleeding. You will be sent home when the bleeding stops. To prevent repeat bleeding, take some precautions at home. If the bleeding starts again, follow the advice below.

Home care

For the next 48 hours:

• Do not do any strenuous activity.
• Do not climb stairs.
• Do not lift anything heavy.
• If the puncture site is in your arm or wrist, do not lie on that arm.
• If your puncture site is in the groin, do not strain at bowel movements.
• Do not scrub the site when bathing. It is fine to get it wet after your healthcare provider says it is OK, but do not scrub it or massage it.

If bleeding happens again, call 911. Take the following steps to stop the bleeding until help arrives:

•  Lie on your back.
• Place a clean cloth or gauze pad over the puncture site. Then hold firm pressure right on the site or have someone else apply firm pressure using the gauze pad or washcloth.
• Keep your arm straight and raised above the level of your heart if the site is in your arm or wrist. If the site is in your groin, have someone else hold pressure on the site. Do not press too hard! If you press too hard, your leg and foot (or arm and hand) will not get blood flow and the skin under your toenails or fingernails may turn white. The skin should look pink, like the toenails on your other foot. When you (or someone) presses on the toenail it will turn white, but when you stop pressing on the nail it will turn pink again. This is called "capillary refill." If there is someone with you, he or she can check it.
• If your toes, foot, or leg start feeling numb, tingly, or cold, ease up on the pressure, because you are probably pressing too hard.
• As soon as emergency care arrives, they will take over your care.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. Ask your healthcare provider for a contact number to call.