Symptoms of Vascular and Non-Vascular Pulmonary Intervention

Introduction

Pulmonary interventions both vascular and non-vascular play an essential role in diagnosing and treating a wide range of lung and chest conditions. These procedures help improve breathing, remove obstructions, treat infections, manage bleeding, and support patients suffering from serious respiratory diseases. However, after undergoing such interventions, patients must be aware of the symptoms that may occur. Some symptoms are normal and temporary, while others may indicate complications that need immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of Vascular and Non-Vascular Pulmonary Intervention

Pulmonary interventions are minimally invasive procedures performed to manage diseases of the lungs, airways, and chest. They are generally divided into two categories:

1. Vascular Pulmonary Interventions

These involve blood vessels of the lungs. Common procedures include:

• Pulmonary angiography
• Pulmonary embolism (PE) thrombolysis
• Endovascular stent placement
• Embolization for hemoptysis (coughing blood)

2. Non-Vascular Pulmonary Interventions

These focus on the airway or lung tissue. Common examples:

• Bronchoscopy
• Pleural aspiration
• Lung biopsy
• Drainage of pleural effusion
• Airway stent placement

Each intervention has its own risk profile, and understanding the symptoms afterward is crucial for recovery.

Symptoms After Vascular Pulmonary Interventions

Vascular procedures target the blood flow in the lungs, so symptoms usually relate to circulation, clot resolution, bleeding, or vessel healing.

1. Mild Chest Discomfort :- It is common to feel light chest pressure or discomfort for a few hours to days after procedures like angiography or embolization. This occurs due to temporary irritation of the blood vessels or catheter insertion.

When it’s normal:

• Discomfort lasts less than 48 hours
• Pain reduces with rest or mild painkillers

When it’s serious:

• Sharp, worsening, or persistent chest pain

2. Shortness of Breath :- Short-term breathlessness may occur after treating pulmonary embolism or removing blood clots because the lungs take time to regain proper blood flow.

Concerning symptoms include:

• Breathlessness worsening over time
• Difficulty lying flat
• Breathing rapidly even at rest

These may indicate a new clot, bleeding, or lung collapse.

3. Coughing or Mild Blood in Sputum :- Small traces of blood may appear after an embolization procedure or angiographic intervention. This usually resolves within 24–48 hours.

Seek help if:

• Bright red blood continues
• Blood quantity increases
• You cough more than a teaspoon at a time

This may indicate vessel injury, infection, or a bleeding complication.

4. Fever or Chills :- A low-grade fever (below 100.4°F or 38°C) is common because the body reacts to medical devices used during the procedure.
   However, persistent or high fever may indicate an infection.
5. Pain or Bruising at Catheter Site

Most vascular pulmonary interventions use the groin or wrist as an entry point.

Common symptoms:

• Mild soreness
• Small bruise
• Light swelling

Urgent symptoms:

• Increasing swelling
• Hard lump formation
• Excessive bleeding
• Numbness in the leg or hand

These may indicate arterial injury or developing clot.

Symptoms After Non-Vascular Pulmonary Interventions

Non-vascular procedures relate to the lung tissue, pleural cavity, and airway structures. Symptoms vary depending on the type of procedure performed.

1. Sore Throat or Hoarseness :- Bronchoscopy often causes temporary throat irritation or a hoarse voice due to the insertion of the scope.

Usually resolves within:

• 24–48 hours

Seek help if:

• You cannot swallow
• Pain increases instead of reducing

2. Persistent Cough :- A cough is expected after lung biopsy or bronchoscopy because the airway lining becomes irritated.

Normal:

• Dry cough
• Mild chest soreness

Not normal:

• Coughing blood frequently
• Difficulty breathing
• Increasing chest pain

3. Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung) Symptoms :- This is one of the most significant risks after lung biopsy or pleural procedures.

Symptoms include:

• Sudden sharp chest pain
• Rapid breathing
• Feeling of air escaping
• Blue lips or fingertips (late sign)

This is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

4. Pain After Pleural Drainage :- Patients undergoing pleural tapping or tube placement may experience localized pain where the tube was inserted.

Common symptoms:

• Dull ache
• Pain during deep breathing

Seek help if:

• Pain becomes severe
• Drainage site leaks fluid
• Fever develops

5. Shortness of Breath After Lung Biopsy :- The lungs need time to heal after tissue is removed.

Normal:

• Mild breathlessness

Not normal:

• Difficulty catching breath
• Symptoms worsening instead of improving
• Breathlessness with dizziness or chest tightness

This may suggest pneumothorax or internal bleeding.

6. Infection Signs :- Any procedure involving puncture or device insertion carries infection risk.

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Redness at site
• Drainage of pus
• Increasing pain
• Fatigue with chills

Early detection is key to preventing complications like pneumonia or pleural infection.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Call a doctor or visit the nearest emergency center if you experience:

• Sudden or severe shortness of breath
• Chest pain radiating to the back or shoulder
• Heavy bleeding from sputum
• Persistent high fever
• Swelling or numbness at catheter site
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Confusion or dizziness
• Blue lips or nails

These symptoms may indicate serious complications such as pulmonary embolism, airway obstruction, bleeding, pneumothorax, or infection.

How to Care for Yourself After the Procedure

To reduce symptoms and recover safely:

• Avoid heavy lifting for a few days
• Keep catheter or biopsy site clean and dry
• Drink enough water to stay hydrated
• Take medications as prescribed
• Avoid smoking or exposure to pollution
• Attend follow-up appointments

Following these steps supports faster healing and reduces risks.

Conclusion

Vascular and non-vascular pulmonary interventions are powerful tools in modern respiratory care. While they are generally safe, being aware of potential symptoms helps patients identify what is normal and what requires immediate attention. Early recognition of warning signs ensures faster recovery and prevents complications.