A stent is a small, expandable mesh tube inserted into a narrowed artery to restore proper blood flow. Stents are most commonly used in the coronary arteries near the heart in a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to treat blockages caused by plaque buildup. The duration of your hospital stay after this procedure varies significantly based on the urgency of the intervention and your overall health status. The primary goal of the hospital stay is to ensure the procedure was successful and that your body is stable before returning home.
Typical Hospital Stay Based on Stent Type
The length of time you remain hospitalized is determined by whether the stent placement was an elective procedure or an emergency response. Patients undergoing an elective PCI for stable coronary artery disease typically have the shortest stay, requiring an overnight observation period of 12 to 24 hours. In select, uncomplicated cases, particularly when the access site is the wrist (radial artery), same-day discharge is increasingly considered safe.
Emergency procedures, such as those performed following a heart attack (acute coronary syndromes), require a longer stay, usually lasting two to four days. This duration is needed to monitor for heart muscle damage, stabilize heart rhythm, and begin the necessary medication regimen. Non-coronary stents, such as those placed in peripheral or renal arteries, can also affect the duration, sometimes requiring a slightly longer observation period than an elective coronary stent.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care and Monitoring
The time spent immediately after the procedure is dedicated to rigorous monitoring to detect any early complications before discharge. A primary focus is the access site, either the groin (femoral artery) or the wrist (radial artery), where the catheter was inserted. Staff check this site frequently for signs of bleeding or hematoma formation, which occurs if the puncture does not seal properly.
Continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring is performed to identify any irregular heartbeats that may develop in the hours following the intervention. Regular checks of vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate, ensure the circulatory system remains stable. Nurses encourage early ambulation, which helps assess stability and is a routine step toward clearance for discharge.
Factors That May Require an Extended Stay
While a short stay is the goal, several factors can necessitate a longer hospitalization beyond the standard 24 to 48 hours. Complications occurring during the procedure, such as a vessel dissection or acute kidney injury from the contrast dye, require extended observation and treatment. The need for a blood transfusion due to significant access site bleeding is another complication that delays discharge.
Pre-existing health conditions play a substantial role in determining the length of stay. Patients with conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, severe chronic kidney disease, or underlying lung issues are often kept longer for monitoring and stabilization. Patients admitted with a heart attack require a longer period to titrate new medications, assess heart damage severity, and ensure stability before transitioning to home care.