cardiac cath recovery

[howlinwolf]

I am a 44-year-old female who recently spent three days in the hospital following runs of v-tach. I underwent a cardiac cath, which showed no heart damage, so I was put on lopressor, which seems to control the v-tach. It's been five weeks since the catheterization, and I'm still sore in my leg. The toes of my right foot about two weeks after cath suddenly became swollen and sore and itch terribly. My cardiologist said it is abnormal to be sore one week after catheterization, and he asked me to come to the office for a checkup. They didn't run any x-rays, but pressed around my leg and listened with a stethoscope and said they weren't concerned and gave me a couple more weeks before doing an ultrasound. The doctor said the foot pain doesn't seem to be related to the catheterization, but I find that hard to believe that there's no connection. I'm beginning to think that maybe I'm allergic to the collagen plugs they put in me. Is that possible? And if so, do those plugs eventually dissolve? Thanks.

[Tinkerwoman]

A related discussion, Foot numbness after cardiac cath was started.

[kd re: longstanding MR]

Just as a comment - I had a heart cath done there a number of years ago.  The insertion point was not healing well but I figured I'd ride it out.  My foot lost it's circulation within a week and I had considerable pain the length of the leg.  I could not bend it at first.  I am convinced it was from the plug.  My cardiologist later agreed but it was long after the incident.  Last year I had a angiogram done and they used the collegen again - even though I told them I didn't want it.  This time, tho it wasn't the same type of plug (at least that's what the doc's told me) and I didn't have any ill effects.  Who knows.  but I will ALWAYS question the use of those plugs.

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Cath recovery:

It is unusual for a person to complain of significant leg pain one week after a heart catheterization. The pain you are experiencing in your right foot may be related to the catheterization, however I can't be certain. I think it would be a good idea to have an ultrasound done on that leg to evaluate the blood vessels for any abnormalities related to your catheterization.

I doubt you are allergic to collagen plugs. What you describe does not sound like an allery. We typically advise patients not to undergo another procedure in the related vessel for 90 days following the insertion of a collagen plug. These plugs should be completely dissolved by this 90 day mark.


Thanks for your question,

CCF-MD-KE