What To Expect After a Stent Procedure

Recovery

After either type of stent procedure (for arteries narrowed by plaque or aortic aneurysm), once the stent has been placed and the balloon and catheter have been removed, the tube insertion site will be bandaged. A small sandbag or other type of weight may be put on top of the bandage to apply pressure to help prevent bleeding. You will recover in a special care area where your movement will be limited.

While you're in recovery, a nurse will check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly. The nurse also will see if there's any bleeding from the insertion site. Eventually, a small bruise and sometimes a small, hard "knot" will appear at the insertion site. This area may feel sore or tender for about a week.

You should let your doctor know if:

• You have a constant or large amount of bleeding at the site that can't be stopped with a small bandage.
• You have any unusual pain, swelling, redness, or other signs of infection at or near the insertion site.

Common Precautions After a Stent Procedure

After a stent procedure, your doctor may have you take blood-thinning or anticlotting medicines for at least a few months. These medicines help prevent the development of blood clots in the stent. If your stent is coated with medicine, your doctor may advise you to take aspirin and an anticlotting medicine for months to years to lower the risk of blood clots.

You should avoid vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for a short time after the procedure. Your doctor will discuss with you when you can resume normal activities.

If you have a metal stent placed, you shouldn't have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test within the first couple of months after the procedure. Metal detectors used in airports and other screening areas don't affect stents.

If you have an aortic fabric stent, your doctor will probably recommend that you have followup imaging tests (for example, x ray) within the first year of having the procedure, and yearly imaging tests after that.