After Carotid Artery Stenting: In the Hospital

You will be taken to the recovery room for observation.

A nurse will watch your vital signs, your neurological signs, and the insertion site while you are in the recovery room.

When your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you may be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) or a regular hospital room.

If the sheath was left in the insertion site, it will be taken out of the groin or arm when it is safe to do so. It's very important that you keep the leg or arm with the catheter straight during this time.

After the sheath is taken out, pressure will be applied directly to the site either manually or with a clamp-type device for about 20 minutes. After bleeding has stopped completely, a tight dressing will be put on the site.

You may need to keep your leg straight for 2 to 6 hours.

You may be given medicine for pain or discomfort from the insertion site or from having to lie flat and still for a long time.

After the period of bed rest is done and there is no bleeding from the insertion site, you may get out of bed. The nurse will help you the first time. They will check your blood pressure while you are lying, sitting, and standing. 

You’ll be closely monitored until you’re ready to go home.

Hospital staff will check your pulse, blood pressure, and neurologic function from time to time.

You may also have tests of your brain function, blood tests, or an ultrasound.

Your I.V. will stay in place until shortly before you go home.

Your condition is stable.

You don't have weakness or numbness in either your legs or arms.

The groin insertion site is not bleeding or swollen.

You have no signs of infection.

You have no headache or swings in your blood pressure or pulse. 

Your doctor has reviewed any test results and has cleared you to go home.