ns after a valvuloplasty?
In the hospital
After the procedure, you may be taken to the recovery room for observation
or returned to your hospital room. You will remain flat in bed for several
hours after the procedure. A nurse will monitor your vital signs, the
insertion site, and circulation and sensation in the affected leg or arm.
You should immediately inform your nurse if you feel any chest pain or
tightness, or any other pain, as well as any feelings of warmth, bleeding,
or pain at the insertion site in your leg or arm.
Bed rest may vary from 2 to 6 hours depending on your specific condition.
If your doctor placed a closure device, your bed rest may be of shorter duration.
In some cases, the sheath or introducer may be left in the insertion site.
If so, the period of bed rest will be prolonged until the sheath is removed.
After the sheath is removed, you may be given a light meal.
You may be given medication for pain or discomfort related to the insertion
site or having to lie flat and still for a prolonged period.
You will be encouraged to drink water and other fluids to help flush the
contrast dye from your body.
You may feel the urge to urinate frequently because of the effects of the
contrast dye and increased fluids. You will need to use a bedpan or urinal
while on bed rest so that your affected leg or arm will not be bent.
You may resume your usual diet after the procedure, unless your doctor
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 may
check your blood pressure while you are lying in bed, sitting, and standing.
You should move slowly when getting up from the bed to avoid any dizziness
from the long period of bed rest.
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. You will receive detailed instructions for your discharge
and recovery period.
Once at home, you should monitor the insertion site for bleeding, unusual
pain, swelling, and abnormal discoloration or temperature change at or
near the injection site. A small bruise is normal. If you notice a constant
or large amount of blood at the site that cannot be contained with a small
dressing, notify your doctor.
If your doctor used a closure device for your insertion site, you will
be given specific information regarding the type of closure device that
was used and how to take care of the insertion site. There will be a small
knot, or lump, under the skin at the injection site. This is normal. The
knot should gradually disappear over a few weeks.
It will be important to keep the insertion site clean and dry. Your doctor
will give you specific bathing instructions.
You may be advised not to participate in any strenuous activities. Your
doctor will instruct you about when you can return to work and resume
Tell your doctor to report any of the following:
- Fever and/or chills
- Increased pain, redness, swelling, or bleeding or other drainage from the
- Coolness, numbness and/or tingling, or other changes in the affected extremity
- Chest pain or pressure, nausea and/or vomiting, profuse sweating, dizziness,
Your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the
procedure, depending on your particular situation.
Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:
- The name of the test or procedure
- The reason you are having the test or procedure
- The risks and benefits of the test or procedure
- When and where you are to have the test or procedure and who will do it
- When and how will you get the results
- How much will you have to pay for the test or procedure