Valvuloplasty

What to Expect

After the Procedure

• Recovery - Once the procedure is completed, you will return to the(Client to insert location of recovery area). Your physician will visit with you in your room while you are recovering. He/she will give you specific instructions and answer any questions you may have.
  
  A nurse will monitor the circulation of your arm or leg, and check your dressing for signs of bleeding. The nurse will also monitor your heart rhythm and blood pressure. Notify your nurse immediately if you notice warmth, bleeding, pain at the catheter site, chest pressure or tightness, or other pain following the procedure.
  
  The sheath, or introducer, will remain in the cath site for approximately four to six hours until the blood thinner you were given during the procedure wears off. During this time it will be necessary for you to lie flat. Due to the long period of bed rest, your back may become stiff, or you may have trouble sleeping at night. Pain and sleeping medications are available and can be obtained from your nurse. Please do not hesitate to ask.
  
  When the sheath is removed, a clamp or manual pressure will be applied at the site until bleeding is controlled (usually about 20 minutes), after which a dressing will be applied. You will remain in bed for four to eight hours following the removal of the sheath. Remember to keep your arm or leg straight where the catheters were inserted. If you need to cough, sneeze, or laugh, hold pressure on the bandage on the insertion site.
  
  You will be allowed to eat once the sheaths are removed. You will be encouraged to drink fluids after the procedure to aid in flushing the x-ray dye from your system. The x-ray dye will remain in your system for some time and will cause you to urinate frequently. Please ask the nurse to assist you, as it is essential that the cath site not be bent during this time.
  
  You may raise the head of the bed and move around once you have completed the mandatory time for bed rest. You will require a nurse's assistance when you initially stand up to walk.
  
  You should plan on staying in the hospital overnight after the procedure. However, a longer stay is sometimes necessary. On the day of discharge, you will be required to walk frequently and begin to slowly resume your normal activities. Before discharge, your physician and/or nurse will give you instructions regarding medications and activity.
  
  
• Length of stay - As noted above, you will stay overnight in the hospital. Depending on your individual situation, your physician may have you stay longer.
  
  
• Recuperation time - You will most likely feel tired for a day or so following the procedure. The catheter site in your leg or arm may be sore for a few days. You may have other pain or discomfort for a day or so due to lying still for a long period of time during the procedure and the recovery period.
  

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