You will leave the Catheterization Lab on a stretcher, and one of the following will happen:

• After an angiogram: The catheter will be removed and a special clamp or manual pressure will be applied. A sand bag will then be placed over your groin to continue pressure on the puncture site.
• After an angioplasty: You will be transferred to a unit which specializes in catheter (sheath) removal if a groin insertion was used, or back to the sending unit if the wrist was used.

The nurse will frequently check your pulse, blood pressure, pulses in your feet or wrist, and the puncture site. 

1. Follo​wing a groin insertion:

• If the doctor used your groin (femoral artery), you must remain on bed rest for up to 6 hours after the procedure.
• It is important to keep your head on the pillow and your affected leg straight. You will be reminded frequently to do these two things to avoid bleeding from the puncture site.
• If you experience back discomfort, you can be repositioned with the help of a nurse, keeping your affected leg straight. The head of your bed may be elevated slightly.
• During this time you may sleep, read or rest. You will be given a snack.

2. Following a wrist insertion:

• If the doctor used your arm (radial artery) you will have a clamp applied to your arm in the lab to prevent bleeding.
• You will be on bed rest for approximately 1 hour after the procedure.
• It is important to keep your arm on the pillow and refrain from twisting your wrist. You may move your fingers. Your nurse will be available to assist you while the clamp is in place.
• During this time you may sleep, read or rest. You will be given a snack. 

You will be encouraged to drink fluids so the dye will flush out through your kidneys. Ask your nurse for assistance as soon as you need to empty your bladder. It is important not to sit up. The nurse will assist you in getting up once your bed rest is complete. You will be encouraged to walk around during the hour before discharge. 

You must have someone pick you up at the hospital and drive you home. Someone should stay with you overnight the day you go home. If this is a problem, tell your cardiologist or inform the Wait List Management Office at 613-696-7061.  

Activity

Discuss individual questions about specific activities with your doctor.

Generally, if you are discharged the same day as your test, once home, you should take it easy and rest. The day following the test, you can gradually begin to resume normal activities.

1. Groin (femoral) insertion:

• Limit the amount of stair climbing as much as possible. Try to climb the stairs only once on the day of your procedure.
• Do not lift anything heavy—greater than 10 lbs (4.5 kg) —for 48 hours.
• Apply pressure to your groin if you have to sneeze or cough hard for 48 hours. The easiest way to apply pressure is to make a fist and place it firmly on the groin area over the band-aid.

2. Wrist (radial) insertion:

• Do not lift anything greater than 10 lbs (4.5 kg) with the affected arm for 48 hours after the procedure. Avoid vigorous wrist movements of the affected arm.
• You may elevate your arm on a pillow to help prevent swelling. 

Returning to Work

You must discuss your return to work with your doctor. If you have a job which involves mostly sitting, you may be able to return to work within a few days following discharge. If your work is active, involving much movement, you may be advised to stay off work for a longer period of time.

Driving

Before discharge, be sure to talk to your doctor about when you may start driving again. Do not drive or operate any motorized vehicles for two days following your procedure. Additional driving restrictions (from two days to one week) may apply following such procedures. The restrictions may be extended if you have had a heart attack.