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Peripheral Vascular Procedure

Peripheral vascular procedure is a procedure to examine the arteries in your legs for narrowing or blockage. A catheter, similar to an IV, is inserted into a large blood vessel in your groin that leads to the arteries in your legs. Contrast dye is then injected through the catheter to look for narrowing or blockage in the vessel. If a narrowing or blockage is found it is often treated with a balloon and/or stent during the same procedure. Ballooning (Angioplasty) uses a tiny balloon to open blocked arteries. Stenting is the insertion of a tiny wire mesh tube into an artery to hold it open.

Preparing For Your Procedure

  • You may have clear liquids (any fluid which is transparent, such as water, apple/cranberry/grape juice, black coffee or tea) until you leave for the hospital.
    • NO dairy products, including cream, or non-transparent fluids, such as orange/tomato juice.
    • NO solids after midnight the night before.
  • Please shower with soap and water prior to your procedure.
    • Do not use creams, lotions or oils.
    • Deodorant is acceptable.
  • If you wear glasses or hearing aids, please wear them that day.
    • Contacts will need to be removed prior to procedure.
    • Please leave all other valuable at home such as money, watches, and jewelry.
  • Arrive on time and bring your insurance card (please contact your insurance providers for coverage details).
  • Please make arrangements for someone 18 years or older to be with you during your stay and to drive you home.
    • Depending on your procedure you may be discharged the same day or stay overnight to be discharged the following day.

Can I Take Medications?

  • Please bring home medications in original bottles the morning of your procedure, including insulin.

    • Do NOT take the day of your procedure: Lasix (furosemide), Bumex (bumetanide), Torsemide, Lovenox, Motrin, Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), Insulin, Metformin or medications that include metformin.

    • Do NOT take 2 days prior to your procedure: Pradaxa, Xarelto, Eliquis and Savaysa.

    • Do NOT take 4 days prior to your procedure: Coumadin, Warfarin, Jantoven

    • Continue to take: Brilinta, Effient, Plavix and Aspirin.

What Can I Expect?

  • Usually you will be awake during the procedure but given medications to help you relax and manage any pain or discomfort you may have.
  • If treatment is required you may be admitted to the hospital, please plan accordingly with an overnight bag.
  • If you have intervention done you will be sent home on antiplatelet medication plus aspirin.
    • It is important that these medications are taken without stopping for at least 1 year after your procedure, or until your cardiologist or vascular doctor tells you otherwise.

What Will My Recovery Be Like?

  • Your activity will be restricted after your procedure.
    • No strenuous activity for 5 days
    • No lifting over 10 pounds for 5 days with the affected leg
    • No driving for 2 days.

  • If you will need a return to work slip, please ask for this prior to discharge.

If you have questions or concerns about preparing for this test, call your Cardiologist's office.

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