Two versus six hours of bed best following left-sided cardiac catheterization and a meta-analysis of early ambulation trials

Recent reports have purported the safety of shorter periods of groin pressu re and earlier ambulation after cardiac catheterization using a variety of catheter sizes (4Fr to 7Fr).(1-6) If these reports are confirmed, cost savi ngs and improved patient tolerance may result. This study compares the groi n complication rate after cardiac catheterization in patients treated with the standard 6-hour duration of bed rest with that after a duration of only 2 hours. This study also performs a meta-analysis of the existing data sup porting lower bed rest times and defines guidelines for patients suitable f or this approach.