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• The needle placed in the catheter site may stay in place for several hours.
• When the needle is removed, the blood vessel is closed. The staff will
hold pressure on the site for 10-20 minutes so it does not bleed. A stitch,
clip or plug may be used to close the site. A clamp may be put on the area
for about 1 hour to stop bleeding. A bandage is put over the site after the
clamp is removed.
After Your Procedure
In the Hospital
• Your site, pulse and blood pressure will be checked often.
• Your leg or arm needs to be kept straight for 2-6 hours to prevent
bleeding.
• Tell your nurse right away if the site swells or bleeds, or if you feel pain,
numbness or tingling in your leg or arm.
• You may drink clear liquids until the needle is removed. After that you
may return to your normal diet.
• You may have oxygen and a heart monitor in place for a few hours.
• An EKG or blood tests may be done.
• It is common for your catheter site to be tender and bruised.
• Your doctor will talk to you about your procedure.
• Medicines given during the procedure will make you sleepy. You will
need to have an adult family member or friend take you home for your
safety.
At Home
• Rest for 24 hours.
• Drink at least eight glasses of liquids today to help your body get rid of
the dye.
• Remove the pressure bandage at bedtime and put on a clean band-aid.
• Do not take a tub bath for one week after your procedure. You can take a
shower. Do not scrub the site.
• Remove the band-aid over the site when you shower.
• You can leave the site uncovered or put a clean band-aid on it.
• Check the site each day for increased redness, bruising or swelling.
• Do not take the medicine Glucaphage (metformin) for two days after the
test.
• Do not drive for 2-3 days.