title: The effect of early ambulation on hematoma formation and vascular complications following 7 French diagnostic cardiac catheterization.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Rouge Valley Health System, Centenary Health Centre, Toronto, Ontario. narendra.singh@utoronto.ca
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kuganesan
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Goode
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Ricci
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin