Tests and Procedures
Cardiac Catheterization
What to Expect After Your Procedure
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Your family will receive preliminary results of
the catheterization.
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You will have IV fluids running until
you can drink adequately on your own.
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Once you're awake, you may drink clear liquids (apple juice,
water).
-
Your diet
will be advanced as tolerated. The IV fluids will be disconnected.
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You
must lie flat for 4-6 hours after the completion of the procedure
to allow the artery and vein to heal.
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The nurse
will frequently check the pulse in your leg, your blood pressure,
and the cath site.
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You must use a bedpan for six hours after the procedure,
then you will be allowed to get out of bed.
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If you're going home you will be discharged after approximately
six hours.
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If you're staying overnight you may be out of bed to go
to the bathroom only. Your dressing will be removed in the
morning, any follow-up testing (echocardiogram, CXR) will
be completed prior to discharge and discharge will occur after
the test results are reviewed.
After the procedure, it is important to follow these discharge
guidelines:
-
Take
it easy for the remainder of night.
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Do not take a bath for 72 hours.
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No swimming or bike riding
for one week.
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No vigorous activities or contact sports for
72 hours.
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Avoid the gym for 72 hours.
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Remove pressure bandage the
following day after applying warm wet washcloths to loosen
dressing.
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Keep a band-aid on the site for 72 hours. Change
daily or with every diaper change.
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Take
Motrin or Tylenol for discomfort; the
area might
be tender or slightly bruised.
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Resume taking any medications you were taking
before the procedure.
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Continue to drink plenty of liquids.
If staying overnight:
-
Your dressing will be removed in the morning.
-
Any follow-up
testing (echocardiogram, CXR) will be completed prior to
discharge.
-
Discharge will occur after test results are reviewed.
Written instructions
will be reviewed and provided at the time of discharge.
The catheterization data is presented at
our weekly cardiology conference (attended by the cardiologists
and surgeon)
held Thursday mornings, your cardiologist will contact you
regarding final recommendations and appropriate follow-up based
on the recommendations
will be arranged.
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