Post-operative instructions

• Keep the puncture site (groin or arm) clean and dry; a small bruise is common.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for the period your surgeon specifies.
• If the site bleeds, lie flat and apply firm, direct pressure — call 911 if bleeding does not stop.
• Take blood thinners and other medications exactly as prescribed; do not stop them without talking to us.

• Keep incisions clean and dry and inspect them daily for redness, swelling or drainage.
• Walk regularly as instructed to support circulation and recovery.
• Avoid lifting, straining and driving until cleared by your surgeon.
• Use pain medication as directed and report pain that worsens rather than improves.

• Some neck swelling or numbness near the incision is common and usually improves.
• Keep your blood pressure under control and take antiplatelet and statin medications daily.
• Call 911 immediately for any stroke symptoms — face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty or vision loss.

• Wear your compression stockings as directed.
• Walk frequently — avoid long periods of sitting or standing still.
• Mild tenderness, bruising or a pulling sensation along the treated vein is common.
• Call us for sudden, severe swelling, redness or heat in one leg.

• Check the thrill (vibration) over your access every morning and evening.
• No blood pressure cuffs, blood draws or IV lines on your access arm.
• Do not sleep on the access arm or carry heavy bags across it.
• Call us immediately if the thrill is weak or absent, or if your hand becomes cold, numb or weak.

• Fever or chills, or redness, warmth, swelling or drainage at an incision.
• Increasing pain not controlled by your prescribed medication.
• A foot, leg, hand or arm that becomes cold, pale, numb or weak.
• Any question about your medications or recovery — we are here to help.

Call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke symptoms or heavy bleeding.