Fluoroscopy times should be recorded. All patients should be observed at bed rest during the initial post-procedural period. Depending on the size of the arteriotomy, use of arteriotomy closure devices, anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents, as well as procedural and disease-specific risk factors, continued bed rest may be required. During the initial post-procedural period, skilled nurses or other trained professionals should periodically monitor the puncture site for hematoma development and the status of the vascular distribution distal to the puncture sites. Monitoring of indwelling arterial sheaths to assure continuous flushing should be performed.
Neurologic monitoring is required to detect delayed neurologic deterioration.
Post-procedure monitoring should be conducted in a manner appropriate to the disease process and anatomic lesion treated. The patient should be monitored for urinary output, renal function, cardiac symptoms, pain, and other indicators of systemic complications. Further laboratory evaluation of hematologic, coagulation, or organ function may be indicated. The initial ambulation of the patient must be supervised. The operating physician or his or her designee should evaluate the patient's condition after the procedure.