Patient Information

Your First Visit

Preparing for your procedure

Thank you for choosing The Texas Cardiac & Vascular Institute. Please be sure to review the information you received regarding preparation for your procedure. Continue taking prescribed medications unless otherwise instructed.

  • Continue taking Aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), Effient, and Brilinta unless specifically instructed to stop.
  • If you take Insulin, only take a half dose the morning of the procedure, regardless of your scheduled procedure time. Do not take any other diabetes medication on the morning of the procedure.
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure, including gum and candy. If your procedure is in the afternoon, you may eat a light breakfast the morning of your procedure.
  • Do not use tobacco products after midnight the night before your procedure.

Make sure to let us know if...

  • If you are taking a blood thinner, aspirin, diabetes or Viagra type medications, check with your doctor if and when you should stop taking it prior to your procedure.
  • If you get sick – sore throat, cold, fever, etc. – tell your physician before the day of the procedure. You may need to reschedule. You have bleeding trouble.

 

For your comfort and safety, there are several factors to keep in mind prior to your appointment. Please remember, these can affect your recovery time and results. Unless otherwise directed, the following instructions are required for anyone having a procedure.

The Day of your Procedure

Please Bring:

  • Driver’s License or other valid photo ID I
  • nsurance Card
  • Means of payment, if indicated
  • Any X-Rays, MRI Films, CT Scans or EMG, if applicable
  • Any pertinent medical history (i.e. lab results)
  • Appropriate clothing such as slip on shoes (no pantyhose or high heeled shoes) and loose clothing with openings that can accommodate dressings
  • A family member or friend to drive you home
  • All medications you are currently taking

Day of Do's

  • Be on time. You may be asked to arrive 1-2 hours before your procedure time, so make sure to double check your arrival time.
  • Bathe or shower to reduce the chance of infection.
  • Remove dentures or bridgework (if possible).
  • If you are diabetic, please bring your equipment for measuring your blood sugar.
  • If you wear glasses or contact lens, bring your case and solution to store them during the procedure. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding any medications you take.
  • Family and friends are urged to remain on facility grounds during the procedure — please have them notify us, if they plan to leave.

Day of Dont's

  • Do not eat or drink anything – even water – after midnight unless otherwise instructed by your physician. Your procedure may be cancelled or delayed if you have consumed any food or fluids.
  • Do not bring gum, mints, or hard candies.
  • Do not smoke for 24-48 hours before your procedure.
  • Do not bring valuables, including jewelry, cell phones, electronic devices, and wallets.
  • Do not have more than two adults accompany you.
  • Only one adult at a time may be allowed to visit a patient before and after the procedure.

After your procedure

  • You will be taken to the recovery unit until you are stable where specially trained nurses will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing.
  • You may spend a couple of hours recovering before you are released.
  • You will receive verbal and written discharge instructions.

 

Additionally, Please Remember:

  • Do not drive for the next 24 hours or more, as directed by your physician. Someone should stay with you for 24 hours following the procedure.
  • Plan to go home directly and rest for the remainder of the day.
  • Some discomfort, discoloration and a small knot at the puncture site is normal. Keep the puncture site clean and dry. Remove the dressing in 24 hours.
  • Follow your physician’s instructions regarding diet, rest and medication.
  • Contact your doctor for follow-up visits as needed.

When to call your doctor or nurse:

For questions or problems related to your procedure, please call your physician’s office. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. 

Please call immediately if you have any of the following signs or symptoms:

  • Bleeding from the access site
  • Numbness, tingling or color change in the leg or arm used for puncture site
  • Fever, 101 degrees or more
  • Shaking chills
  • Blood in your bowel movement or urine
  • Uncontrolled nausea and vomiting
  • Uncontrolled diarrhea
  • Drowsiness, confusion, or an inability to awaken
  • Redness, swelling, heat, drainage from any wound or venous access device or any disruptions at the puncture site

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