Patient Check Out Procedure

Discharge Instructions Post Coronary Intervention (PCI) for the Patient

PCI includes coronary angioplasty, stents, atherectomy, rotoblator, laser, and brachytherapy.

Most PCI patients remain in the hospital overnight--usually in the cardiac care unit (CCU)--or a special unit for patients undergoing cardiac catheterization or PCI.

1. Arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital.

2. Before leaving the hospital you will receive a written physician discharge instruction sheet that your discharge nurse will review with you and give you.

3. Medications: Your physician will prescribe medications for you to take on this discharge sheet. You may have to take a copy of the prescription to your pharmacy to have your prescription filled.

Patients who have undergone PCI usually continue treatment with aspirin or another antiplatelet medication indefinitely after the procedure.

Commonly prescribed medications include Plavix (Clopidogrel) to prevent blood from forming clots and to assist keeping the coronary stent open. Aspirin is used to assist keeping the artery open. It is very important to take Plavix daily until instructed otherwise by your cardiologist.

4. Follow-up appointment: Usually you will be instructed on the discharge sheet to make a follow-up appointment with your cardiologist within two (2) weeks after discharge. This may vary so please refer to the discharge sheet and call your cardiologist's office to make an appointment.

5. Wound Care Instructions: Keep puncture site clean and dry. A Band-Aid may be applied and changed every day.

If you had a sealing device placed, you may feel a small hard lump at the incision site. This will dissolve in 4 to 6 weeks.

A small amount of bruising or tenderness is normal around the puncture site.

If excessive bleeding occurs at the puncture site, apply firm direct pressure to the site and call 911. Have the ER notify the PCA cardiologist on-call for that hospital.

6. Bathing Restrictions: Showers are permitted, but NO tub baths for 24 hours.