Coronary Intravascular Stent Placement

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
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Coronary intravascular stent placement is a procedure to place a stent in a blocked or narrowed artery of your heart. A stent is a small mesh tube made of metal that helps keep your artery open.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
• You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss

Seek care immediately if:

• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• Your leg or arm becomes numb, or your fingers or toes turn white or blue.
• The catheter site is swollen, red, or has pus or foul-smelling fluid coming from it.
• You start to bleed from your catheter site again.

Call your cardiologist or doctor if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Antiplatelets prevent blood clots from forming. You will need to take aspirin and another type of antiplatelet medicine. Take this medicine daily as directed. Do not stop taking aspirin or other type of antiplatelet medicine without asking your healthcare provider.
• Cholesterol medicine helps decrease the amount of cholesterol in your blood. Too much cholesterol in your blood may cause plaque buildup.
• Blood pressure medicine lowers your blood pressure.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Apply firm, steady pressure if bleeding continues:

A small amount of bleeding from the catheter site is possible. Apply pressure with a clean gauze or towel for 5 to 10 minutes. Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if bleeding becomes heavy or does not stop.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Care for the catheter site:

Most bandages can be removed the day after your procedure. Gently clean the catheter site with soap and water. Do not rub the site. Do not take a bath, swim, or get in a hot tub until your healthcare provider says these are okay. If you need to cough, support the catheter site with your hand.

Activity:

Rest for 1 or 2 days after your procedure. Slowly start to do more each day. Take walks around your house. Make a plan for rest during the day. Your provider will tell you when you can drive, go back to work, or do other activities. Activity limits help reduce pressure on your catheter site and prevent bleeding. The following limits depend on the catheter site:

• Wrist: Follow these guidelines for 1 week , or as directed.
  • Do not lift anything heavier than 2 pounds.
  • Do not push or pull with the arm used for the procedure.
  • Avoid activities that use your arm or wrist, such as tennis, bowling, and golf.
• Groin: Follow these guidelines for as long as shown below, or as directed.
  • Do not have sex for 2 days.
  • Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for 1 week.
  • Limit stair climbing for 1 week.
  • Avoid intense exercise for 2 to 4 weeks.

Drink liquids as directed:

Drink extra liquids if contrast liquid was used during your procedure. Liquid will help flush the contrast out of your body. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after your procedure.

Do not smoke:

Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause heart damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

Go to cardiac rehabilitation (rehab), if directed:

Your cardiologist may recommend that you attend cardiac rehab. This is a program run by specialists who will help you safely strengthen your heart and reduce the risk for more heart disease. The plan includes exercise, relaxation, stress management, and heart-healthy nutrition. Healthcare providers will also check to make sure any medicines you are taking are working.

Stent safety:

• Carry your stent card with you at all times.
• Let all healthcare providers know that you have a stent.
• If you need an MRI, wait at least 6 to 8 weeks after stent placement, or as directed.

Follow up with your cardiologist or doctor as directed:

You may need more tests. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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