Can anyone tell me about having a stent in the artery leading from their heart to their arm?

Question

I have to have this procedure next week and was wondering about recovery and anything else you might want to share.

Answer 1

No matter what procedure you are going to have....a stent to the heart through the arm; or a stent in the subclavian artery, etc. Each procedure may have a different route to go through , the outcome is the same....Stent is place in an artery that lies above the diaphragm. The recovery is the same.

If the doc is able to use a closure device (femoral artery approach only), you will be in bed for 2 hours, then you can get up and walk, then go home if you have no problems.

If they go axillary (armpit) or brachial (forearm) approach, someone will pull the tube out and hold pressure by hand for about 20 to 30 minutes, you will have to stay in bed for about 5 to 6 hours. They will take the pressure bandages off , watch you for an hour and then you go home.

When you get home...just take it easy for 2 days, no heavy lifting, no climbing stairs (femoral approach), no driving for a couple of days. Let your love ones wait on you hand and foot.

The procedure is usually a "piece of cake". Like the others said, depending on the doc, some conscious sedaton (happy juice) is given. You may feel some warm or burning sensations when the contrast (dye) is injected (for subclavian stent)...no burning for the heart stent.

You may feel some cramping or mild pain when the stent is being deployed. Reason: The balloon on the tip of the catheter completely blocks the blood flow to the artery and some discomfort is felt. When and if it happens, let your nurse know and how severe (usually on a scale of 1 - 10). Some people feel it, others don't.

Time for procedure....complex lesions, usually 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours. Simple lesion,,,I have seen them fixed in less then 10 minutes. And that all depends on the doc.

I hope this helps, don't be worried, I have helped with caths, stents and peripheral stents for 20 years and the procedures are usually quick, easy and not too much to worry about. Good luck with your procedure next week, and if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to e-mail me.

p.s. it is usually cold in the lab....the only thing they let you keep on is your patient gown and a pair of socks....pack your socks......

Answer 2

If you are speaking of a coronary artery stent using the biracial artery of the arm for access your recovery period should be very short, probably same day.
I am surprised the interventionist is using the biracial artery since, to the best of my knowledge, the coronary arteries are usually accessed through the femoral artery in the groin unless there is a specific reason why this route cannot be used.
Good luck with your procedure and improved health in the future.

Answer 3

They normally use the femoral artery which is in the leg so I am surprised that you are saying that they are using the brachial (which is in the arm). As long as you follow the recommended diet and excerise routine the recovery should not be that long. You need to take good care of yourself so you won't need to have a bypass. As you know, the stent is a hoolow "tube" to keep the artery open and keep the blood flowing.

Answer 4

It sounds like you're talking about a stent in the subclavian artery. Access is usually from the right groin. You'll be awake, but in left field.

Afterwards, you'll need to lay flat for a period of time, depending on how the doctor closes the insertion point. Most likely, you'll go home the same day. No driving/heavy lifting for a couple of days. Plavix + aspirin for at least 3 months.

Good luck.