Rapid ambulation after coronary angiography via femoral artery access: a prospective study of 1,000 patients.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a 90-minute bed rest protocol for patients undergoing elective 6 Fr coronary angiography via the femoral artery.


BACKGROUND
Following cardiac catheterization, reducing the period of immobilization has beneficial effects on patient comfort. Previously, immobilization times of up to 2 hours have been shown to be safe.


METHODS
One-thousand consecutive patients undergoing elective daytime coronary angiography were studied. We used a novel protocol with a commercially available compression device to mobilize patients after only 90 minutes of bed rest.


RESULTS
Of 1,000 patients, 1 had a minor bleed that was successfully treated with manual pressure followed by a pressure dressing. Two patients developed pseudoaneurysms, 1 of whom required a transfusion. No other patients required a transfusion or experienced hemodynamic instability. Thirteen patients had delayed discharge, most commonly due to a delay in obtaining ultrasound scans to exclude pseudoaneurysm.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrate that early mobilization (90 minutes) is feasible and safe for patients undergoing elective coronary angiography performed via the right femoral artery.
Gall
Scott
S
Cardiology Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom.
Tarique
Aamir
A
Natarajan
Arun
A
Zaman
Azfar
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000209:etiology; D001510:Bed Rest; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000009:adverse effects; D004434:Early Ambulation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013997:Time Factors; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology