Early mobilization following angioplasty

AIM: To assess the incidence of puncture site complications in in-patients undergoing early mobilization following angioplasty with a view to performi ng day case angioplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-eight patients undergoing per ipheral and renal angioplasty using a sheath size of up to 6 French were re cruited prospectively. The mobilization protocol consisted of supine bed re st for 2 h, followed by gradual mobilization, so that the patient was ambul ant Jh after the procedure, Mobilization was delayed if clinically appropri ate; Puncture sites were scored for discomfort, paraesthesia, visible bruis ing and palpable haematoma after groin compression and the following mornin g. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-four puncture sites were studied. There were 44 haematomas in total, of which 37 (26%) were less than 2.5 cm and seven (4.9 %) were between 2.5 cm and 7.5 cm, Four patients (2.8 %) had visible b ruising greater than 7.5 cm, No patient assessed discomfort higher than mod erate at any stage. Mobilization was delayed in 15 patients. In 11 this was due to puncture site oozing, haematoma in one, tno were hypertensive and o ne required surgery for limb ischaemia, All complications occurred within 4 h of angioplasty, No patient required surgery or transfusion for haemorrha gic complications. CONCLUSION: Mobilization at 4 h was successful in 90 % of cases but 10% req uire more prolonged bed rest. No delayed complications occurred, These resu lts suggest that day case angioplasty is feasible in most cases. (C) 2000 T he Royal College of Radiologists.