Overview
Stenting is a minimally invasive procedure. Some people may be able to leave the hospital soon after the stenting procedure. Most people are able to return to work and their normal routines after about a week. People who do physical work may need to wait longer. Check with the doctor before doing any strenuous physical activity.
Expect to Spend Some Time in the Hospital
Immediately after a stent procedure, healthcare professionals may monitor the heart rhythm and blood pressure. At this time, the catheter sheath introducer tube may be removed and pressure may be applied to the puncture site until the bleeding has stopped.
The catheter insertion site may be bruised and sore. If the sheath was inserted into the arm or wrist, it may be removed and the site will be bandaged. If the catheter was inserted into the groin, you may need to lie in bed with the leg straight for several hours. In some cases, the healthcare professional may use a device that seals the small hole in the artery; This may allow for quicker movement. The place on the body where the catheter was inserted may be monitored for any changes in color, temperature or sensation.
At first, there might be a groggy feeling from the sedative . A healthcare professional will let you know when to get out of bed and walk around. It might typically take 2 to 6 hours to walk following procedure.
Recovery
Usually, patients stay overnight and return home the day after the procedure. Some may even go home the same day. The amount of time that is spent in the hospital may depend on if there were any difficulties during the procedure and how well the catheter insertion site is healing.
During hospital discharge procedure, a small identification card may be provided. This card will contain important information about the stent, its location in the body, the date of the procedure, and the doctor’s name and contact information. Present this card to a healthcare professional.
Signs to Watch For
If the place where the catheter was inserted starts to bleed, lie down, apply pressure to the site and call a healthcare professional. Any change in color, pain or warm feeling in the area where the catheter was inserted should also be reported to a doctor. Call a doctor immediately in the case of chest pain or severe or frequent discomfort in the chest. These symptoms may indicate that the arteries are renarrowing.
Returning to Normal Activities
Most people are able to return to work and their normal routines after about a week. People who do very physical work may need to wait longer. Check with a doctor before doing any strenuous physical activity. As with all medical procedures, insertion of a stent involves risks.
It may be difficult for someone who has undergone angioplasty or stenting to get back to their lives right away. Having family and friends around to help may make recovery easier. A helping hand, a sympathetic ear, or even just a little company can go a long way toward cheering someone up and getting them back in the swing of things.