What happens after carotid angioplasty with stenting (CAS) surgery?

After a carotid artery angioplasty with stenting (CAS) procedure for carotid artery disease, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you may be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) or your hospital room.

Note: You will not be allowed to bend your leg nearest the insertion site, if the insertion was done in the groin, for several hours. To help you remember to keep your leg straight, the knee of the affected leg may be covered with a sheet and the ends tucked under the mattress on both sides of the bed to form a type of loose restraint.

A nurse will monitor your vital signs, your neurological signs, and the injection site while you are in the recovery room. You may be given pain medication for pain or discomfort related to the injection site or having to lie flat and still for a prolonged period. If the sheath was left in the insertion site, it will be removed from the groin or arm at the appropriate time. After the sheath is removed, pressure will be applied directly on the site either manually or with a clamp-type device for about 20 minutes. After bleeding has stopped completely with the pressure application, a tight dressing will be applied on the site.

You will continue to lie in bed for a specified period, at least two hours or longer. It is very important that you keep your leg or arm with the catheter site straight during this period. After the specified period of bed rest has been completed, you may get out of bed. The nurse will assist you the first time you get up, and will check your blood pressure while you are lying, sitting, and standing. You may be discharged from the hospital the next day depending on your progress.