Day of discharge
Angioplasty and stenting (leg)
Draft — pending clinical reviewA narrowed or blocked artery in your leg was widened from the inside with a small balloon, and sometimes held open with a stent, through a small puncture (usually in the groin). [VERIFY the access site]
About this treatment →About the condition →Also for this procedure: Long term →
Today and tonight
This is often a day-case procedure. If the puncture was in the groin, keep the leg fairly straight and avoid bending, straining or lifting for the first hours as advised, to let the puncture seal. [VERIFY]
Rest today; you will usually be up and walking gently before you go home.
Pain and medication
Some bruising and tenderness at the puncture site is normal. Simple pain relief is usually enough. [VERIFY]
Take any antiplatelet (blood-thinning) and cholesterol medicines exactly as prescribed — they help keep the treated artery open. Do not stop them without advice. [VERIFY]
Your dressings & stockings
There may be a small dressing over the puncture. Keep it clean and dry and follow the advice on removing it and showering. [VERIFY]
Moving and activity
- Walking
- Once past the first hours, walking is encouraged and helps the leg. [VERIFY] Build up your walking distance as comfort allows.
- Driving
- Avoid driving for the first day or two and until comfortable and able to brake safely. [VERIFY the timeframe]
- Work
- Many people return to light work within a few days. [VERIFY] Heavier work may need longer. [VERIFY]
- Exercise
- Avoid heavy lifting and straining for the first days while the puncture heals; gentle walking is best. [VERIFY the duration]
- Flying
- Ask your team before any long flight. [VERIFY the timeframe]
When will I be back to normal?
Recovery from the puncture is usually quick, over days. Many people notice their leg feels warmer or walks further quite soon. [VERIFY]
What is normal
- Bruising, a small lump or tenderness at the puncture site that settles over days to weeks. [VERIFY]
- Some mild tiredness for a day or two.
What is not normal — contact us
Contact the clinic if you notice any of these:
- The puncture site swelling quickly, forming a large or pulsating lump, or bleeding.
- Increasing pain, redness, warmth or discharge at the puncture.
- The treated leg or foot becoming cold, pale, blue, numb or increasingly painful. [VERIFY]
- A temperature or feeling unwell.
Emergency — go to hospital now
Call an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital emergency department straight away if you have:
- The treated leg or foot suddenly becoming cold, white or blue, numb, or severely painful — this can mean the artery has blocked and needs urgent care.
- Sudden, heavy or expanding bleeding or swelling at the puncture site that does not stop with firm, continuous pressure.
- Chest pain or sudden breathlessness.
- Fainting or collapse.
Your follow-up
You will be given a review appointment to check the leg and pulses, sometimes with an ultrasound scan. [VERIFY the timing]
Questions?
If anything worries you or you are unsure, it is always better to ask. Message the clinic on WhatsApp.