EARLY AMBULATION AFTER CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY AND STENTING WITH 6 FRENCH GUIDING CATHETERS AND LOW-DOSE HEPARIN

The safety and feasibility of early ambulation was evaluated prospecti vely in 907 patients undergoing elective coronary angioplasty and sten ting with the use of 6Fr guiding catheters, low-dose heparin (5,000 IU ), and immediate postprocedural sheath removal by comparing ambulation after 4 hours with immobilization for at least 12 hours, Because no e xcess in puncture site complications (2.3% vs 2.2%) could be demonstra ted after 4-hour ambulation, it is concluded that early ambulation aft er 6Fr guiding catheter angioplasty by the femoral route with low-dose heparin is feasible, safe, and may facilitate a shorter hospital stay .