Radiology - Post care advice following a radial artery puncture

This leaflet contains important advice about your discharge from hospital after your procedure involving a radial artery puncture.

It contains information about what to do when you get home and things to avoid. Please read it carefully.

Discharge summary

The procedure you had was ____________________________________________________________________    

Dr _________________________________________________________________ performed your procedure.

You have had a procedure which involves making a small hole in an artery in your wrist. This is to allow the specialist doctors to place a sheath (a short tube) which will allow a catheter (long plastic tube) into blood vessels. Through this, a colourless dye (contrast) is injected whilst an x-ray machine acquires images. These images can be used to provide a map of your blood vessels, allowing the doctor to treat any abnormal areas.

Anticoagulant medication

If you were advised to stop taking any blood thinning medication prior to this procedure, you may start these again after your discharge.

Specific mediation advice if required:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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You will be kept in hospital for a minimum of 2 hours after your procedure, due to the puncture in your wrist. During your stay you will have a device on that will compress the artery for a period which helps to close the hole.

You will be advised to:

• Keep your arm as still as possible for 2 hours
• You can mobilise straight away, being mindful of your wrist

Please do not drive home and ensure there is someone to accompany you home and stay with you overnight. This is for your safety.

What to do when you get home

The compression device will be removed after 2 hours, and your puncture will be dressed. Please keep the dressing on for 48 hours after your procedure.

In the first 48 hours please do not; get the dressing wet, lift heavy objects or exercise.

You should look out for the following:

• Increasing pain not controlled by painkillers
• Feeling unwell (dizziness, fainting, temperature over 37°C)
• Increasing swelling, redness, bleeding, or pus discharge from puncture site.

If you experience any of the above, please contact us for advice.

*** if your hand becomes cool to touch seek urgent medical attention ***

Bleeding

If the puncture site is bleeding and will not stop with firm manual pressure, please do the following:

• Lie down and raise arm in the air
• Get someone to apply pressure
• Call 999 immediately

Driving

There are DVLA driving restrictions which apply after some procedures. After a procedure using the radial artery (wrist) route – Please do not drive for at least 24 hours and only resume once it is comfortable to grip and manoeuvre the steering wheel and when able to apply an emergency stop.

Return to work

When you can return to work will depend on what you do for a job. For specific guidance please speak to your doctor or nurse before you leave the ward.

Below is generic advice:

• Office based jobs – you can return to work the next day
• Manual labour/heavy lifting jobs – you can return to work after 3 days

If you feel you need further time off work, please contact your GP.

Specific return to work advice if required:

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How to contact us

If you experience any problems within the first 48 hours of your discharge, please follow the below advice:

During the hours of 8am - 6pm please call the Interventional Radiology Department on 0161 206 2206 for advice.

Please be ready with the following information:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Hospital number
• Procedure you had
• Date of procedure

Frequently asked questions

When can I go to the gym?

We would advise you avoid heavy lifting and exercise for at least 48 hours from discharge from hospital.

Information about your puncture

You have had a ____________________    sheath used today

This has been closed by: ____________________________________________________    

Closure device used (if applicable) __________________________________________________________________________________________

We are dedicated in providing the best care to our patients and would appreciate any feedback about your experience.