A Fatty Substance) from a Diseased Artery

Atherectomy / Angioplasty / Stent Placement

During an atherectomy a cutting device is used to remove plaque (a fatty substance) from a diseased artery. Angioplasty is a procedure used to open blocked or narrowed arteries. A balloon tipped catheter is used to improve blood flow. Stenting is a procedure where the surgeon inserts a slender catheter, or a metal mesh tube, called a stent. The stent expands inside the artery to increase blood flow in areas blocked by plaque. Your doctor’s decision to perform an atherectomy, angioplasty or to insert a stent is based on the type and location of your blockage.

Discharge Information

You may resume your normal diet. Drink extra fluids (6-8 glasses) for the next 48 hours. This will help your body get rid of the dye used in the procedure.

You may develop a bruise at the puncture site. This should go away within a week or ten days. A pea to marble size hardened area can appear beneath the skin at the site is normal. It should disappear within 2- 6 weeks.

Clean your incision with soap and water, and pat dry.

Shower daily, but do not get in the bathtub or a hot tub for a few days.

Your vascular surgeon will prescribe pain medicines for you when you are discharged. Do not drive while you are on pain medicine.

Your physician may prescribe aspirin or other medication that thins your blood. These medications will help prevent clots from forming on your stent.

Do not drive, do yard work, or play sports for at least 2 days.

Do not lift anything heavy (more than 10 pounds) until after your follow-up appointment.

Signs and Symptoms to Report

If sudden bleeding occurs at the site on the groin (anything other than a small amount of blood on the dressing or bandaid), lie down immediately to relieve pressure from the site. Have someone apply pressure directly to the site for 20 minutes or until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding is excessive, call 911 for immediate transport to your local hospital or UAB.

Call the vascular surgery office if your incision becomes angry red, swollen, or has yellow/green drainage.

Call if you have a fever of 101.5 or greater.

After hours and on weekends, if you have been discharged from the hospital within the last 14 days call Unit M7 directly at 934-0348. If it has been more than 14 days call the UAB operator at 934-3411. Ask the UAB operator to page the vascular surgery resident on call.

It is important to eat healthy, exercise and not to smoke.

Additional information regarding angioplasty/stenting can be found at: vascularweb.org Department of Surgery The University of 503 Boshell Building Alabama at Birmingham 1808 7th Avenue South Mailing Address: 205.934.2003 BDB 503 Fax 205.934.0053 1530 3RD AVE S www.uab.edu/vascular/ BIRMINGHAM AL 35294-0012 Revised 1/20/2012 LGB