Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)

What to Expect

After the Procedure

• Recovery - After the PTCA procedure has been completed, you will be taken on a stretcher to a recovery area.

  You will be closely monitored by a nurse during the recovery period. Your blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and breathing will be assessed frequently. The nurse will also check the blood circulation in the leg or arm used for the catheter insertion, and assess the dressing on the insertions site for bleeding. You should immediately inform your nurse if you feel any chest pain or tightness, or any other pain. You should also tell your nurse about any feelings of warmth, bleeding, or pain at the catheter site in your leg or arm.

  The sheath, or introducer, is in an artery and thus will need to remain in the cath site for approximately four to six hours, in order to allow the effects of blood-thinning medication given during the procedure to wear off. You will need to lie flat during this time. If you become uncomfortable in this position, your nurse may give you medication to make you more comfortable.
  
  At the appropriate time, the sheath will be removed from the groin or arm. After the sheath is removed, pressure will be applied directly on the site either manually or with a clamp-type device for about 20 minutes. After bleeding has stopped completely with the pressure application, a tight dressing will be applied on the site. You will continue to lie in bed for a specified period, at least two hours or longer. It is very important that you keep your leg or arm with the catheter site straight during this period.

  After the sheath has been removed, you may be given a light meal, such as a sandwich and fruit. You will be encouraged to drink fluids as much as possible to help flush the x-ray dye from your system. The effects of increased fluid intake and the x-ray dye will cause you to urinate frequently; however, you will need to use a bedpan or urinal during this time so that your affected leg or arm will not be bent. You may require assistance from your nurse, so do not hesitate to ask for help.

  After the specified period of bed rest has been completed, you may get out of bed. The nurse will assist you the first time you get up, and will check your blood pressure while you are lying, sitting, and standing.

• Length of stay - You will most likely spend the night in the hospital after your procedure. Depending on your condition and the results of your procedure, your stay may be longer. Before being discharged home, you will need to demonstrate that you can walk without difficulty and can resume basic activities, such as eating and moving around. Your nurse will provide detailed instructions for your discharge and recovery period.

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