What happens after my procedure?
You will need to stay in the hospital in bed until the next morning. If you are doing well, you can then leave the hospital and go home.
To keep your stent open, you will take medicines to prevent blood clots.
Leave dressings on for 24 hours, then you may remove them and shower.
Do not put any creams or medicines on the wound.
Replace bandage until the wound is closed, usually 24-48 hours.
Do not swim or soak the wound (bath or pool) until the wound is healed.
You may drive yourself in 24 hours.
No exercise or exertion until the wound is healed (around 72 hours).
Symptoms you may notice:
You may feel groggy from the medicines used to keep you comfortable. Headache and nausea may occur but usually do not last longer than 12-24 hours.
You may have soreness and bruising around the wound.
You will follow up with your clinician in the clinic. You will have repeat imaging of your carotid arteries in 6 months.
When to call your clinician or 911?
Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher
Sudden trouble breathing or shortness of breath
Uncontrollable pain or severe headache
New pain, bleeding, swelling redness or darkness at the wound
Loss of strength or weakness on one side of your body, trouble speaking, or facial droop