After carotid angioplasty and stent placement, the patient will need to lie still for several hours to prevent bleeding. An ultrasound of the carotid artery may be necessary after the procedure. An overnight stay at the hospital is usually required, and lifting objects over 10 pounds and other strenuous activities must be avoided for at least one day following the procedure. For the next few days, the patient may experience bruising, swelling, or tenderness at the site of the catheterization, although this can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
As with most procedures, there are certain risks associated with carotid angioplasty and stenting. These risks may include bleeding, stroke, development of a blood clot, or a re-narrowing of the carotid artery. Patients can minimize the occurrence of complications by closely following their aftercare instructions.