Some bleeding during and after removal of the prosthesis

Problem: during and after removal of the prosthesis some bleeding is noticeable

Slight bleeding from the edges of the TE-fistula may occur during replacement of the prosthesis. This is mostly the result of removal of the old device and not of the insertion of the new prosthesis. This bleeding will normally cease spontaneously. Patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy should be carefully evaluated for the risk of hemorrhage prior to placement or replacement of the prosthesis. It is also advisable to reassure the patient that the traces of blood they might notice in the sputum in the first few days after replacement of the prosthesis are not worrisome and no sign of a pulmonary malignancy. Obviously, if they keep seeing these traces of blood they should be encouraged to make an earlier clinic appointment in order to establish whether some form of diagnostic imaging is needed.