Resources

I'm Scheduled for a Procedure

Most preparation for your procedure will be handled on a one-on-one basis with your doctor, but for a quick overview, you can take a look at the following:

Prepare by selecting the procedure for which you're scheduled below:

Cardiovascular Procedures

• Heart Catheterization and Angioplastys
• Peripheral Arteriogram
• Peripheral Angioplasty
• Carotid Arteriogram
• Venous Duplex Imaging

Preparation for Common Cardiovascular Procedures

If you are scheduled for one of the following procedures, follow the instructions below:

• Heart Catheterization and Angioplasty
• Peripheral Arteriogram
• Peripheral Angioplasty
• Carotid Arteriogram

Tell your doctor if you...

• Are allergic to the iodine dye used in the contrast material or any other substance that contains iodine.
• Have asthma or have ever had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) from any substance, such as the venom from a bee sting.
• Are allergic to any medicines and whether you are taking any medicines for erectile dysfunction, including Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. This test may require the use of nitrate medicine, such as nitroglycerin, that can cause severely low blood pressure if you have taken Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis within the previous 48 hours.
• Have any bleeding problems or take blood-thinning medicine.
• Are or might be pregnant.
• Have kidney disease. The contrast material used during cardiac catheterization can cause kidney damage in people who have poor kidney function. If you have a history of kidney problems, blood tests (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen) may be done before the test to confirm that your kidneys are functioning properly.
• Have diabetes, especially if you take metformin. Your doctor may instruct you to stop the medicine 48 hours before the test.
• If you are taking Plavix and Aspirin it is NOT necessary to stop these meds.
• Patients taking Coumadin should stop this agent at least four days prior to the procedure. You should check with your cardiologist to see if a supplemental anticoagulant needs to be given during this time. An example would be patients who have artificial heart valves or recent leg clots.
• If you are scheduled for a Pacemaker or Debrillator Implantation...
• If you are on Plavix please check with your cardiologist regarding whether or not to discontinue prior to the implant.

In addition, talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will indicate.

Arrange for someone to take you home after the test. You may not have to stay in the hospital overnight.

Do not eat or drink (except for a small amount of water) for 6 to 12 hours before the test. If you are taking any medicines, ask your doctor whether you should take them on the day of the test.

Before the test, remove any necklaces, bracelets, rings, or other jewelry. You should also remove nail polish from your fingernails and toenails.

Be sure to empty your bladder completely just before the test.

Venous Duplex Imaging (In Office)

For this procedure, no specific preparation required.