What Does Recovery Look Like After A Procedure At ACS?
If you (or a loved one) are preparing for a cardiac procedure, knowing what to expect during recovery can help relieve anxiety. While every patient experience is different, understanding the process from post-procedure care to resuming your daily activities can empower you to focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Here is a guideline of what to expect after procedures performed by Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists (ACS).
Recovery From Interventional Procedures
Interventional procedures (such as stents, angioplasty and ablation) are performed at the hospital. You may need to remain lying down for up to six hours after the procedure to allow the insertion site to seal. Most patients will be able to go home the same day or after an overnight stay.
At home, patients will need to rest for one to two days and avoid heavy lifting (anything over 10 pounds) for around five days. Normal activities can usually be resumed after one week. You will need to ensure that the insertion site remains clean and dry. Showering can typically resume the day after the procedure. It is normal to experience tenderness, bruising or a small lump at the site for a few days.
Recovery After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
Patients undergoing a TAVR procedure face a longer hospital stay and recovery period. TAVR recovery typically requires a hospital stay of one to two days for diagnostic testing and monitoring. Our staff will closely monitor the function of the new valve and oversee a smooth transition to home recovery.
You can expect mild soreness, bruising and itching at the insertion site. Wound care includes keeping the site clean and dry. It also means avoiding baths, pools and hot tubs until fully healed.
A recovery period of six to 10 weeks follows hospital discharge. Patients can engage in low-impact activity during this time, building up intensity and duration gradually as strength is regained. You will have regular follow-up appointments and diagnostic tests with your ACS team to ensure a successful recovery.
General Post-Procedure Care Guidelines
You may be prescribed medications to prevent blood clots or manage heart rhythm or pain. Make sure that you take any medications as directed. Mild discomfort is normal following any cardiac procedure, and it should improve within a few days.
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your recovery and ensure that the procedure was effective. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, please reach out to ACS for assistance.
ACS Post-Procedure Support Services
Successful recovery requires continuity of care. Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists provides robust support systems designed to maintain long-term vascular health.
- Heart Failure Clinic: For patients managing a complex recovery or chronic conditions following a procedure, our Heart Failure Clinic provides specialized care. The clinic schedules close follow-up appointments following hospital discharge, and it develops personalized treatment plans to maximize recovery. Learn more about our Heart Failure Clinic here.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Evaluation: The clinical team at ACS conducts targeted cardiac rehab evaluations to clear and refer eligible patients for intensive physical recovery programs. Many patients are transitioned into the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation program.
When To Call 911
It’s important to know when to call for immediate assistance. If you experience any of the following symptoms after a procedure, seek emergency care:
- Bleeding at the site that does not stop with pressure.
- Chest pain that doesn’t go away with rest.
- Sudden shortness of breath or numbness.
- Fever higher than 100.4° F, increased pain or pus from the incision.
The team at Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists consists of North Louisiana’s leading experts in cardiovascular care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call our office at (318) 798-9400.