The surgeons at Twin Cities Heart and Lung believe in patient education. We've designed our site to help you learn about procedures so you can understand them and proceed with your treatment with the knowledge to put your fears to rest.
The night before the procedure, your medical staff may ask you not to eat or drink anything after midnight. You may be given routine blood tests, an ECG or EKG (electrocardiogram), and a chest x-ray prior to your procedure. A nurse prepares the patch of skin where the catheter is inserted by first shaving it, then washing with an iodine solution. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted into your vein to give you fluids. You'll also be given medication to help you relax. You will be awake during the procedure, which usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
After Surgery Instructions:
After the operation, you'll be taken to a cardiac care unit or a special recovery room. If there are no complications, you'll probably go home one to five days after the procedure. Your surgeon will give you instructions on medications and follow-up care, including any follow-up visits.
While you are recovering in the hospital, the introducing sheath will be left in several hours or overnight. If the groin site was used, you will have to lie flat and not move your leg for 6 to 10 hours after the sheath is removed. The nurse frequently checks your pulse and blood pressure and checks the insertion site for bleeding. You'll remain attached to a heart monitor and an IV line that provides fluids and medications over several hours after the procedure. Frequent blood tests will help your doctor adjust the dosage of your anticoagulant medication. Your activity level well be restricted for the first few days you are recovering.
