Post-Cardiac Catheterization: Why Is My Dad's Leg Still Hurting?

After cardiac catheterization, the leg may still experience pain?

Hello, I would like to inquire about my father.
He underwent a cardiac catheterization procedure on May 28, and it has been almost four weeks since then.
He is in his fifties.
Post-operatively, he experienced a significant bleeding episode from the groin artery where the incision was made.
My father mentioned that he still feels pain in his leg after walking a short distance.
Is this pain related to the surgery? Is it concerning that he is still experiencing pain after four weeks? If he wants to seek medical advice or treatment, should he return to the cardiology department, or are there other specialties he should consider? Thank you for your assistance!

Chuan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/24

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, this is likely related to the surgery and may not necessarily indicate a problem.
It is advisable to consult your cardiologist for further evaluation.
Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2020/06/24

More Info

After a cardiac catheterization, it is not uncommon for patients to experience some discomfort or pain in the leg where the catheter was inserted, especially if the procedure involved accessing the femoral artery in the groin area. Given that your father is experiencing pain in his leg four weeks post-procedure, there are several factors to consider.

Firstly, the pain could be related to the site of the catheterization. If there was significant bleeding at the site, as you mentioned, it could lead to hematoma formation, which is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels. This can cause swelling, tenderness, and pain in the affected area. Hematomas can take time to resolve, and depending on their size and location, they may cause discomfort for several weeks.

Another possibility is that the pain could be due to nerve irritation or damage during the procedure. The femoral nerve runs close to the femoral artery, and if it was inadvertently affected, it could lead to pain or discomfort in the leg. Additionally, if there was any vascular complication, such as a pseudoaneurysm (a false aneurysm that can occur at the catheterization site), this could also cause pain and would require further evaluation.

It is important to note that while some discomfort can be expected, persistent pain that does not improve over time, especially if it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms (such as swelling, redness, or changes in skin temperature), should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Given that your father is still experiencing pain after four weeks, it would be prudent to seek medical advice.

In terms of where to go for evaluation, returning to the cardiology department is a good option, as they are familiar with the procedure and can assess for any complications related to the catheterization. They may perform a physical examination and possibly imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, to evaluate the site for any issues like a hematoma or pseudoaneurysm. If the cardiologist determines that the pain is not related to the catheterization site, they may refer your father to another specialist, such as a vascular surgeon or a pain management specialist, depending on the findings.

In summary, while some pain can be expected after a cardiac catheterization, persistent pain four weeks post-procedure warrants further evaluation. It is advisable to consult with the cardiologist who performed the procedure to assess the situation and determine the appropriate next steps. Early intervention can help address any potential complications and ensure your father's recovery is on track.

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