The Day of Your Angioplasty at Saint Mary’s Hospital The Morning of Angioplasty
You will register at the 2nd floor Central Registration area. After the registration process, a staff member from the Cardiovascular Unit will meet you in the Registration area and escort you and your family/friends to your room in the Cardiovascular Unit (CVU). The staff of the CVU will prepare you for your procedure. An IV line will be started. You may be given medication or fluid through this line. The skin where the angioplasty catheter will be inserted may be shaved.
After the preparation for the procedure is completed, the Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) team will come to the CVU and escort you to the Cardiology Department. Your family/friends will be directed to the waiting room in the Cardiology department. You will then be taken into the Catheterization Room. There, the Cath Lab team will further prepare you for your procedure. A drape will be placed across you to maintain a sterile environment. You will be placed on a cardiac monitor so the nurse can continuously monitor your condition. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and you will be given medication through your IV to help you relax. During Angioplasty
There will be several people in the Cath Lab that are dedicated to your comfort and safety. You should not feel pain during your procedure. However, if you do feel any discomfort, please let the nurse know so that she can make you comfortable. You will be in good hands.
The Cardiologist will place a catheter or thin wire into your groin and inject x-ray dye so that he can see your heart vessels. Once the catheter is in place, the Cardiologist will begin taking pictures with a large X-Ray Machine, which will be turning and moving all around you.
The length of time required for your operation will depend on your specific condition. An average time is 1-2 hours. Your family/friends will be made comfortable in our waiting area and a volunteer may be available to assist them with any needs. Your nurse will keep them informed of your condition and surgery.
When the procedure is finished, your cardiologist will review the results with you. In addition he will also go out and meet with your family/friends to let them know how you are doing and to answer any of their questions. Admission to the CVU Immediately After Angioplasty
When your procedure is finished, the cardiologist will remove the catheter that was inserted into your groin for the procedure. Firm pressure will be applied for about 20 minutes to prevent bleeding. A transparent dressing will then be applied over the site. In some cases, the cardiologist may elect to leave the catheter in the groin and remove it 2-6 hours later.
Following your procedure you will be transported to the Cardiovascular Care Unit (CVU) where you will stay until the morning. You may be connected to a heart monitor during your entire recovery. This will show your care team a constant view of your heart rate and rhythm.
Family and friends are an important part of our team and as soon as your condition permits, we will be including them in your ongoing recuperation.
Before your discharge, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team will visit with you to begin discussing your activity after discharge and your involvement in the Cardiac Rehabilitation program.
You may also request to see a dietician prior to discharge. If you forget to do so, the rehabilitation team will make arrangements for you to speak with a dietician on your first visit. The CVU nurse will give you discharge instructions and anything you need to know for your care at home.
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