Postoperatory care in a peripheral and carotid endovascular procedures

Some routines must be followed at home after an endovascular treatment of carotid or lower limb arteries:

– Relative rest, not walking very fast, driving, or running in the first 5 days after the medical discharge;

– Keep a balanced diet, with few animal fat and salt control, if there is high pressure;

– Practice regular physical exercise, with walks from 30 minutes daily, after 10 days since the procedure, after the medical release;

– Take AAS 100 mg daily (Aspirina infantil) and Clopidogrel: one tablet at lunch of each one in the first 2 months and then AAS 100 mg/day for life in order to thin the blood a bit and to prevent atherosclerosis complications. If you are using other medication besides these two to thin your blood, check with your doctor about how to proceed.

– Use all medications you were using before the surgery or in the discharge prescription until your physician modifies it;

– If there is pain or fever, take Tylenol 750 mg every 6 hours, if necessary;

– Soon after the procedure, avoid flexing the thighs a lot over the abdomen (more than 90 degrees). Avoid being crouched for a long time, until there is proper cicatrization of the artery at the groin;

– Do not be directly exposed to sunlight at the groin region for 4 weeks;

– Performing periodical reviews to evaluate the stent is pivotal. The follow-up protocol includes an appointment one month after the procedure and then once yearly.