Carotid Artery Stenting: What to Expect at Home
Your Recovery
Carotid artery stenting is a procedure to open a narrowed carotid artery. There are two carotid arteries—one on each side of the neck—that supply blood to the brain. Fatty buildup (plaque) can narrow these arteries. When one or both of your carotid arteries are narrowed, it can make it hard for blood to flow to the brain. The buildup also raises your risk of stroke. This procedure may improve blood flow to your brain and lower your risk of having a stroke.
You may have a bruise or small lump where the catheter was put in. This is normal and will go away. The area may feel sore for a few days. You can do light activities around the house. But don't do anything strenuous until your doctor says it's okay. This may be for several days.
You will have regular tests to check blood flow in your carotid arteries.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to feel better as quickly as possible.
How can you care for yourself at home?
Activity
- If the doctor gave you a sedative:
- For 24 hours, don't do anything that requires attention to detail, such as going to work, making important decisions, or signing any legal documents. It takes time for the medicine's effects to completely wear off.
- For your safety, do not drive or operate any machinery that could be dangerous. Wait until the medicine wears off and you can think clearly and react easily.
- Do not do strenuous exercise and do not lift, pull, or push anything heavy for at least 1 to 2 weeks or until your doctor says it is okay. You can walk around the house and do light activity, such as cooking.
- If the catheter was placed in your groin, try not to walk up stairs for the first couple of days.
- If the catheter was placed in your arm near your wrist, do not bend your wrist deeply for the first couple of days. Be careful using your hand to get into and out of a chair or bed. Avoid having your blood pressure checked or an intravenous (I.V.) started on the arm used during the procedure for 24 hours.
- If your doctor recommends it, get more exercise. Walking is a good choice. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk every day. Try for at least 2½ hours a week.
Diet
- Drink plenty of fluids to help your body flush out the dye. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- Keep eating a heart-healthy diet that has lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you need help with your diet, talk to your doctor. You also may want to talk to a dietitian. This expert can help you learn about healthy foods and plan meals.
Medicines
- Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also get instructions about taking any new medicines.
- If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
- Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner such as aspirin. It is important that you take these medicines exactly as directed to help reduce your risk of a stroke. Be sure you get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.
Care of the catheter site
- For 1 day or for as long as your doctor recommends, keep a bandage over the spot where the doctor put in the catheter.
- You may have a closure device inserted to help seal the incision (cut the doctor made). This will reduce your time on bedrest after the procedure.
- You may shower 24 hours after the procedure, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry.
- Avoid creams, lotions, and ointments on the catheter site.
- Do not soak the catheter site until it is healed.
- Watch for bleeding from the site. A small amount of blood (up to the size of a quarter) on the bandage can be normal.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
When should you call for help?
If you start bleeding more than is normal or have a fast-growing, painful lump at the catheter site, call 911 and do the following:
- Lie down and call for help (family or friend).
- Apply pressure using your fingers or fist at the catheter site. Hold this pressure for 20 minutes.
- If the bleeding stops - lie still, keep flat until emergency help arrives.
- If the bleeding does not stop - keep firm pressure to the procedure site until emergency help arrives.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
- Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
- Sweating.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms.
- Light-headedness or sudden weakness.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength or 2 to 4 low-dose aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself. - You have symptoms of a stroke. These may include:
- Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
- Sudden vision changes.
- Sudden trouble speaking.
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
- Sudden problems with walking or balance.
- A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You are bleeding from the area where the catheter was put in your artery.
- You have a fast-growing, painful lump at the catheter site.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness of the skin.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
- Your leg, arm, or hand is painful, looks blue, or feels cold, numb, or tingly.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you have any problems.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter U084 in the search box to learn more about "Carotid Artery Stenting: What to Expect at Home".
Adaptation Date: 12/12/2023
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
