The effect of early ambulation on hematoma formation and vascular complications following 7 French diagnostic cardiac catheterization.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility and safety of early ambulation 3 to 4 h after diagnostic 7 French cardiac catheterization.


METHODS
Randomized, single-blind assignment to one of 3, 4 or 6 h ambulation postcardiac catheterization groups.


METHODS
Tertiary care community hospital in an urban region.


METHODS
Eight hundred and seventy-four consecutive inpatients and out-patients presenting for routine diagnostic cardiac catheterization.


METHODS
Hematoma formation and other vascular complications recorded at the time of discharge and 24 h later.


RESULTS
No significant difference in hematoma formation rates was noted among patients mobilized at 3 h (3.6%), 4 h (4.8%) or 6 h (3.2%). Late hematoma formation occurred in 2.3% of patients. Other vascular complications were very rare. Reported rates of hematoma formation varied significantly (P < 0.05) among physicians, ranging from 0.9% to 8.0%.


CONCLUSIONS
Early ambulation of patients 3 to 4 h after routine diagnostic 7 French cardiac catheterization is both safe and feasible. These findings could result in more efficient recovery bed utilization, reduced nursing costs and improved patient compliance with bed rest.
Singh
N
N
Rouge Valley Health System, Centenary Health Centre, Toronto, Ontario. narendra.singh@utoronto.ca
Kuganesan
K
K
Goode
E
E
Ricci
A J
AJ
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D004434:Early Ambulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology*; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin