Interventional Radiology: Venous
After an Arterial or Venous Procedure

Risk

To prevent complications from bleeding and speed healing after arterial or venous procedure, the puncture / incision site from which the catheter was removed is immobilized with a pressure bandage. Depending on the puncture site (arterial or venous), pressure on the site may necessary for 10 minutes or 6 hours. The risk of bleeding is greater after arterial procedure and therefore the period of immobilization of the site and period of monitoring is longer. Patients are generally hospitalized until the risk of acute bleeding stops.

Activity

After an arterial procedure, the puncture site must remain immobile and lie flat for 4 to 6 hours. Some patients are monitored in an intensive care unit setting. In some circumstances, use of a Vasoseal (Angioseal) plug, may reduce this period to 2 or 3 hours. A vasoseal feels like a pea-sized lump under the skin and is completely absorbed by the body in 4 to 6 weeks.

Depending on the blood vessel(s) involved, a shorter period of immobility and pressurized bandaging is usually necessary after a venous procedure (1 to 3 hours are common).

In either circumstance, following arterial or venous procedure, patients are advised to minimize activity for at least 24 hours with respect to the incision site. If conscious sedation was used, patients should rest quietly and avoid driving, operating equipment or making complex decisions such as signing a legal document for at least 24 hours. Patients are encouraged to drink extra fluids, particularly those high in potassium (such as orange juice) to flush contrast agents used in the procedure from the body.

Pain

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is generally recommended for site pain.

Bruising / bleeding

Some bruising around the incision site is normal. Any heavy bleeding or swelling after the patient is discharged from the hospital, should be reported to the department or treating physician immediately.

Dressing / care of the puncture site

Dressing (usually a gauze pad or band aid) should be left in place for 24 hours and replaced with a fresh band aid at least every other day or until scar is barely visible.

Catheter care (if catheter is left in place)

Patient/caregivers should follow the specific instructions of the treating interventional radiologist and/or hospital radiology department where the catheter was placed with respect to dressing, infusion, irrigation (flushing) and / or problems with the catheter.