How will I feel after a cardiac catheterization?

After a cardiac catheterization, most patients spend a couple of hours in the recovery unit. If the procedure involved the large artery in the groin, a device or stitch may have been inserted to seal the hole, requiring the patient to lay flat for a couple of hours. If a tube were pulled from the groin, the patient would need to lay flat for around 4 hours post-procedure. Avoid driving or lifting heavy objects for a few days afterward. A band is used to apply pressure on the artery for procedures via the small wrist artery. Discomfort at the access site and some bruising may occur in the days following the process. Notify your doctor if a lump forms or if there is significant bleeding, in which case immediate medical attention is necessary.