The following is a summary of “Bed Rest Reduction Following Cardiac Catheterizations Using Vascular Closure Devices ,” published in the November 2023 issue of Critical Care by Tuozzo et al.
Despite research supporting reduced bed rest after vascular closure device deployment, many hospitals require prolonged bed rest, which can lead to complications.
Researchers started a retrospective study to assess the impact of reduced bed rest on length of stay, safety, and opportunity costs at a large urban hospital.
They conducted a 12-week study involving one-hour bed rest following transfemoral cardiac catheterizations utilizing vascular closure devices. The outcomes were compared with historical controls who received similar treatment.
The results showed that the standard bed rest group comprised 295 patients (207 men, 88 women; average [SD] age, 64.4 [8.6] years). In contrast, the early ambulation group involved 260 patients (188 men, 72 women; average [SD] age, 64 [9.3] years). There were no significant differences in age (t634 = 1.18, P=.21) or gender (χ12=0.2, P=.64) between the groups. Hematomas occurred in three standard bed rest group patients and one in the early ambulation group (P=.36). Diagnostic cardiac catheterizations took longer in the standard bed rest group (mean [SD], 220.7 [55.2] minutes) than in the early ambulation group (mean [SD], 182.1 [78.5] minutes; t196 = 4.06; P<.001). Percutaneous coronary interventions took longer in the standard bed rest group (mean [SD], 400.2 [50.8] minutes) compared to the early ambulation group (mean [SD], 381.6 [54.7] minutes; t262=2.86; P=.005).
Investigators concluded reduced bed rest was safe, cost-effective, and shortened hospital stays.
