Cath Lab

Scheduling

Registering

Preparing for Your Surgery

• Because stomach contents are hazardous when having any type of anesthesia. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PRE-PROCEDURAL INSTRUCTION -DO NOT EAT, DRINK, OR SMOKE ANYTHING after midnight the night before your procedure, unless otherwise instructed.
• Gum, breath mints, chewing tobacco, smoking tobacco and vitamins are not to be used within four hours prior to coming to the hospital/surgical center.

• DO take your heart, blood pressure, asthma, Parkinson's or seizure medications with a sip of water the morning of your procedure--unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
• DO NOT take any oral diabetic medication or insulin, unless instructed by the nurse or physician.
• Please bring a list of all medications (including herbal and over the counter medications) with you the day of your procedure.
• Use your asthma or other lung inhalers in the morning and be sure to bring them with you.
• If you are on oxygen at home, bring it with you.
• If you use CPAP at home, bring it with you.
• Contact your physician for instructions if you are taking aspirin, aspirin products, MAO inhibitors, or have taken diet pills (phen/fen or redux). Some medications need to be stopped a few days before the procedure.
• Heart cath patients: STOP coumadin 2-4 days prior to the procedure as directed by your physician.
• Cardioversion patients: CONTINUE coumadin as directed by your physician.
• Electrophysiology Study (EPS) patients: STOP antiarrythmic medications as directed by your physician.
• Contact your physician for instructions if you are taking aspirin, aspirin products, MAO inhibitors, or have taken diet pills (phen/fen or redux). Some medications need to be stopped a few days before the procedure.

• Call the Intermountain Medical Center Cath Lab and let us know what your needs are.
• Free translation services are available 24-hours-a-day in all spoken languages and ASL.

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Cough or congestion
• Chicken Pox exposure/illness within two weeks of surgery
• Any other problems that may interfere with your scheduled surgery

Day of Surgery Preparation

• Bathe and shampoo before coming to the hospital - this helps to prevent infection.
• Make sure your hair is dry prior to arriving. Pull back long hair with an elastic band.
• Wear loose clothing that is easy to get off and on, which will fit over a dressing.
• Do not wear any makeup or jewelry (including any body piercing) or metal hair accessories.
• Do not bring other valuables.

• Cases for eyeglasses, contact lenses or hearing aids. All personal belongings will remain with your family member during the procedure.
• If you are staying overnight in the hospital - bring a small bag with personal items only (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, comb or brush, shaving kit, other toiletries).
• Cash or a credit card for your co-pays (depending on your insurance) and filling any post-surgical prescriptions. Note: The cost of prescriptions cannot be added to your bill, unless under Workers' Compensation.
• The following documents, if applicable: Photo ID (such as a driver's license), insurance card(s), Medicare and/or Medicaid cards, a completed Living Will (if you have one).

• Two visitors - family members or friends - are welcome, but no children under 12 years of age, please.
• One family member should stay within the facility during your stay to receive instructions from the surgical team.
• A parent or guardian of a patient under 18 should stay in the facility until the patient is discharged. (If you are a guardian of a patient, bring copies of forms indicating guardianship or power of attorney.)
• A responsible person should be prepared to drive you home. Driving yourself home is NOT permitted. If you do not have a responsible person to drive you home, your procedure will be cancelled.
• A responsible adult should be prepared to care for you for the first 24 hours after your procedure.