After Radial Artery Harvesting
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
After radial artery harvesting
you will need to monitor your harvest site for any problems for up to 2 weeks. Check for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or foul-smelling drainage. Check for bleeding or a hematoma (collection of blood) at the site. Look for signs of decreased blood flow, such as cold, numb, pale or blue fingers. Seek care immediately if you notice any of these or have trouble moving your fingers.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You have new or worsening bruising at the harvest site.
- Your harvest site is red, warm to the touch, or draining fluid.
Call your doctor or surgeon if:
- You have a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Heart medicine helps strengthen or control your heartbeat.
- Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
- Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
- Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
- Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
- Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip does or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- 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.
Care for the harvest site as directed:
Do not get the area wet until your healthcare provider says it is okay. When it is okay to bathe, do not scrub the area. Just let water run over it. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Do not put powders or lotions over your harvest site. Check the area every day for signs of infection.
Activity:
Your healthcare provider will give you specific activity instructions. The following are general guidelines to follow for up to 2 weeks after surgery:
- Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds until your healthcare provider says it is okay.
- Do not push or pull anything with the arm that was operated on. Examples include a car door or a vacuum cleaner.
- Do not drive until your healthcare provider says it is okay.
Prevent another blocked artery:
- Eat heart-healthy foods. You may need to eat foods that are low in salt, fat, or cholesterol. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about a heart-healthy diet.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause heart and lung 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 provider before you use these products.
- Limit or do not drink alcohol. Ask your provider if it is okay for you to drink alcohol and how much is okay to drink. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your healthcare provider what a healthy weight is for you. Obesity or overweight can increase the stress on your heart. Your provider can help you create a safe weight loss plan, if needed.
- Get vaccines as directed. Vaccines help prevent diseases that can be dangerous for a person who has heart disease. Get a flu vaccine as soon as recommended each year, usually in September or October. Get all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses and boosters. A pneumonia vaccine may also be recommended. Your provider will tell you if you need other vaccines, and when to get them.
Follow up with your doctor or surgeon as directed:
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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