Discharge Instructions for Peripheral Angioplasty

You had a procedure known as peripheral angioplasty. Peripheral arteries deliver blood to your legs and feet. Over time, your artery walls may thicken and build up with a fatty substance (plaque). As plaque builds up in an artery, blood flow can be reduced or even blocked. This causes peripheral artery disease and problems in your legs and feet. Peripheral angioplasty is a procedure that helps open blockages in peripheral arteries.

Home care

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

• Rest for 2 to 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 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 doctor.

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

• You can shower the day after the procedure.

• If you have stitches (sutures), avoid swimming or taking 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 doctor first if you are on dialysis or have heart failure.)

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

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

• If you are a smoker, 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 doctor to have them removed 7 to 10 days after your procedure.