Thoracic Aortic Repair (TEVAR) Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for thoracic aortic repair (tevar): what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Vascular Health
- •Take blood pressure and cholesterol medications as prescribed
- •No smoking (the single most important thing for vascular health)
- •Regular exercise improves blood flow
Thoracic Aortic Repair (TEVAR) recovery, day by day
Immediate Care
- Keep the procedure site clean and dry
- Check pulses and sensation in the affected limb as instructed
- Report any numbness, coldness, color change, or loss of pulse in the limb
- Take medications as prescribed
Activity
- Walk frequently to prevent blood clots
- Avoid heavy lifting for 2-4 weeks
- No hot baths, saunas, or hot tubs for 2-4 weeks
- No crossing legs while seated (restricts blood flow)
Recovery
- Continue checking pulses and limb sensation daily
- Keep incision clean; shower as directed
- Gradual return to normal activities
- Take prescribed blood thinners or aspirin as directed (do NOT miss doses)
Ongoing Care
- Continue all cardiac/vascular risk factor management (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes)
- Attend all follow-up appointments and vascular imaging
- Report any new symptoms in the affected limb
- Lifelong healthy habits: no smoking, regular exercise, balanced diet
When to call your provider or 911
- •Cold, pale, or blue limb (loss of blood flow)
- •Sudden severe headache, vision loss, or slurred speech (stroke symptoms)
- •Wound opens or starts bleeding heavily
- •Fever above 101.5°F
- •Rapid swelling or expanding bruise at the procedure site
- •Chest pain or shortness of breath
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 5
Initial healing
Wound healing, pulses stable
- Day 14
Follow-up evaluation
Vascular imaging and wound check
- Day 30
Expected recovery
Complete healing and normal function
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
QR Rx sends this exact thoracic aortic repair (tevar) recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
HIPAA compliant. No credit card. Cancel anytime.