I have bruising from my pelvis to my knees following a cardiac ablation. What should I do?

I just had a cardiac ablation for SVT on April 8th. I'm not experiencing chest pain, but I'm beginning to bruise (black and blue) from my pelvis to my knees. It's happening more and more. They used five catheters (3rt/2lt) and an arterial line. Why am I bruising? What should I do?

Answers from doctors (6)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 19, 2016

You are bruising as a result of bleeding at the time of the procedure. This is not acute bleeding, but rather bleeding that occurred while inserting the catheters. The blood that escaped around the catheters gradually comes to the surface and you will see it as black and blue several days later. This will lighten to a yellowish color and then fade. Discuss this with your treating physician. This is not an uncommon occurrence.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

You are bruising as a result of bleeding at the time of the procedure. This is not acute bleeding, but rather bleeding that occurred while inserting the catheters. The blood that escaped around the catheters gradually comes to the surface and you will see it as black and blue several days later. This will lighten to a yellowish color and then fade. Discuss this with your treating physician. This is not an uncommon occurrence.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on Apr 16, 2016

Speak to your interventionalist.

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Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Speak to your interventionalist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 15, 2016

Firstly, you should follow up with your cardiac surgeon. Secondly, any bruising you experience higher in the body will "move" downward when you are up and around, hence you are seeing this in the lower part of the thigh. Purchase Dermaka or Arnica cream and massge 2-3 times day and it will resolve faster.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Firstly, you should follow up with your cardiac surgeon. Secondly, any bruising you experience higher in the body will "move" downward when you are up and around, hence you are seeing this in the lower part of the thigh. Purchase Dermaka or Arnica cream and massge 2-3 times day and it will resolve faster.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Apr 15, 2016

Some bruising is unavoidable with most procedures. Time will heal the bruising. Give it roughly 6 weeks or so.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Some bruising is unavoidable with most procedures. Time will heal the bruising. Give it roughly 6 weeks or so.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Apr 15, 2016

Go back to the doctor and have him or her check it.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Go back to the doctor and have him or her check it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Published on Apr 14, 2016

This indicates bleeding into the thigh from a venous source, and it is important to get evaluated as you could lose up to 6 units of blood into this compartment. Have them check your CBC and also get an ultrasound of the thigh to make sure there is no component of arterial injury, fistula formation, pseudoaneurysm formation, or pure venous leak from using large catheters. You need to get a scan in an accredited vascular lab.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

This indicates bleeding into the thigh from a venous source, and it is important to get evaluated as you could lose up to 6 units of blood into this compartment. Have them check your CBC and also get an ultrasound of the thigh to make sure there is no component of arterial injury, fistula formation, pseudoaneurysm formation, or pure venous leak from using large catheters. You need to get a scan in an accredited vascular lab.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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