Early ambulation following diagnostic 7-French cardiac catheterization: a prospective randomized trial

There is a paucity of randomized studies concerning transfemoral cardiac catheterization and its complications, in particular that of 7F catheterization. Accordingly, we conducted a prospective, randomized trial comparing early ambulation (group A) 6 hr after diagnostic 7F cardiac catheterization versus late ambulation (group B) the following morning. A total of 273 patients were randomized in the study; 142 in group A and 131 in group B (NS). Except for a difference in the indications for catheterization, the baseline and procedure-related parameters were similar between the 2 groups. Early hematoma (formed within 6 hr) developed in 6 (4%) and 7 (5%) patients in groups A and B, respectively (NS). Similarly, there was no difference in the incidence of late hematoma formation (2% in each group). All hematomas detected were small and required no surgical intervention or extension of hospital stay. Our data showed that early ambulation following 7F left heart catheterization is feasible and safe. The access site complication rate is acceptably low and minor in nature.