Discharge Instructions for Peripheral Angioplasty

Home care

• Don’t drive for 2 or 3 days after the procedure or if you are taking opioid pain medicines.

• Rest for 2 or 3 days after the procedure. You will likely be able to go back to your normal activity within a few days.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 5 to 7 days.

• Take your temperature and check your incision (cut) site for signs of infection (redness, swelling, drainage, or warmth) every day for a week.

• Keep a dressing on the incision site for at least 24 hours, or as directed by your health care provider.

• Take your medicines exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses.

• You can shower the day after the procedure.

• If you have stitches, don't swim or take a bath for 7 days after the procedure or until the stitches are removed.

• Unless directed otherwise, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. This can prevent dehydration. It can also flush the dye used during your procedure out of your body. (Talk to your provider first if you are on dialysis or have heart failure.)

• Eat a healthy diet that is low in fat, salt, and cholesterol. Ask your provider for menus and other diet information.

• Start an exercise program. Ask your provider how to get started. You can benefit from simple activities, such as walking or gardening.

• If you smoke, try to break the smoking habit. Join a stop-smoking program to increase your chances of success.

Follow-up

• If you have stitches or staples, see your health care provider to have them removed 7 to 10 days after your procedure.

When to get medical advice

Contact your health care provider right away if you have:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.

• Signs of infection at the incision site (redness, swelling, or warmth).

• Drainage from your incision.

• Changes in color, temperature, feeling, or movement in either foot or leg.

• Constant or increasing pain or numbness in your leg.

• Leg swelling that doesn't improve overnight.

• Bleeding, bruising, or a large swelling where the catheter was inserted.

• Blood in your urine.

• Black or tarry stools.

• Dizziness or shortness of breath.