Early Ambulation after Diagnostic Angiography Using 4-F Catheters and Sheaths: A Feasibility Study

Purpose: To assess the feasibility and safety of early ambulation in patients undergoing transfemoral diagnostic angiography using 4-F catheters or sheaths. Methods: In this prospective study approved by the institutional review board, patients undergoing diagnostic angiography were randomized to ambulate 3 or 6 hours after catheter or sheath removal. All patients were assessed for hematoma formation, pseudoaneurysm development, and other groin complications during the in-hospital recovery period and after 30 days. Patient satisfaction and comfort level were also assessed by survey. Results: Of 110 patients (66 men; mean age 64.9 ± 12.8 years) who participated in this study, 47 were randomized to the 6-hour (6-H) group and 63 to the 3-hour (3-H) group. In the 3-H and 6-H groups, respectively, a 4-F catheter was used in 45 (71%) and 35 (74%) patients and a 4-F sheath in 18 (29%) and 12 (26%). No clinically significant groin complications were encountered in either group. Moderate to severe discomfort was reported in 9 (16%) of the 56 patients responding to the discomfort survey in the 3-H group compared to 10 (26%) of the 38 in the 6-H survey respondents. Conclusions: It is feasible and safe to ambulate patients 3 hours after diagnostic angiography performed with a 4-F catheter with or without a 4-F sheath. Early ambulation of patients after angiography has the additional benefits of increasing patient satisfaction and resource utilization.