Home Care After Cardiac Catheterization

Activity

General anesthesia may affect your child for 24 hours after the cardiac catheterization. He or she may lack proper coordination. Your child needs careful watching to prevent falls and accidents. Your child may walk or ride in a car when he or she leaves the hospital. Your child should avoid strenuous exercise (playing sports, running, bicycling) for about 7 days. If your child has favorite activities and you are not sure if they are permitted, please call us.

Diet

Your child may have some nausea or vomiting after the cardiac catheterization. If your child feels like it, he or she may drink clear liquids. Clear liquids are liquids you can see through, such as apple juice, Sprite, Popsicles, Pedialyte, Jell-O, or canned broth. The first meal after cardiac catheterization needs to be "light" (soup, cereal, crackers, etc.). If vomiting occurs, return to the clear liquid diet.

Care of the cardiac catheterization site

There may be bruising and discomfort at the site where catheters were introduced. This often happens, and the bruising will improve in 1 or 2 weeks. The area where the catheter was inserted may be washed with warm water and mild soap. Your child may not take a tub bath or swim for one week. A Band-Aid will be placed at the insertion site before your child leaves the hospital. If the dressing has not been removed before you leave the hospital, it may be removed in 24 hours and the site can be covered with a Band-Aid.

Pain

Your child may have slight discomfort at the insertion site. Discomfort should not last more than a few days. Your child may limp, or slightly favor the other leg for a few days. You may use Tylenol (acetaminophen) at the age-appropriate dose and frequency as needed for 1-2 days.

Resuming the child’s cardiac medications

Please resume the cardiac medications according to the schedule advised by your doctor or cardiology nurse.

Contact the doctor at 317-338-3000  or our Toll Free number 1-877-207-3917 if your child develops:

• Shortness of breath, breathing difficulties
• Fever over 101 F. or 38.4 C (by mouth) during the week after cardiac catheterization
• Persistent vomiting
• Drainage, bleeding, or swelling at the cardiac catheterization site