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Post-treatment procedure will depend on the compression device used in the cath lab after the procedure. Always follow your hospital’s policy and procedures. These are generalizations from device companies and major cardiac institutions policy. The compression device should be left in place from 1.5 to 4 hours depending on the amount of heparin used and if the cath was done for diagnostic or interventional purposes.

• TR band or VASC band: Withdraw 2 cc of air every 5 minutes or 1 cc of air for a total of 3 cc every 15 minutes until air pocket is empty and band is loose. If bleeding is noted, reinject air until bleeding stops and wait 15 to 30 minutes to repeat the removal process.
• D-Stat band: After 30 minutes for diagnostic test and 60 minutes for interventional (or diagnostic with anticoagulant), begin releasing the band one click every 30 minutes, making sure to mark the starting site. If bleeding occurs, return to previous position.

Quick release can be done 2 hours post diagnostic (no anticoagulant) or 4 hours after intervention with anticoagulation. Keep the D-Stat tab against the site and cover with clear dressing for 24 hours (Johns Hopkins Health System [JHHS] & Johns Hopkins Hospital [JHH], 2015). Frequent assessment of distal circulation is imperative during and after radial site is used. Documentation and reporting of decreased sensation, pulses, and pallor should be done if there are changes.