(801) 357-7850
1034 North 500 West
Provo, Utah 84604Map

Utah Valley Regional Medical Center

Day of Surgery
What surgery patients can typically expect on the day of surgery. A map to the facility and driving directions are provided through this MapQuest link:
Arriving at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center
 Reception & Admitting Pre-Procedure Area
Also the Post-Cath Recovery Unit:
  • Preparation for the procedure and initial recovery take place in the same area.
  • First, you will change from regular clothes to hospital clothes.
  • A registered nurse will perform an assessment, and you will be prepared for your procedure. This may include: having vital signs and weight measured, starting an IV (intravenous) line, drawing lab tests, possible urine sample.
  • You can be provided with a warm blanket, magazines, games and activities, TV or radio while waiting to be moved to the Cath Lab.
  • Waiting times before your procedure starts will vary. The actual time your procedure begins will depend on longer or shorter procedure times and emergencies. We will make every effort to keep you informed if a delay occurs.
  • Your family will be shown where to wait during your procedure. There are several booklets and videos available that provide additional information about procedures performed in the Cath Lab. No family will be permitted in the Cath Lab during the procedure.
 Cardiac Cath Lab Procedure Area Post-Cath Recovery Unit
  • Your recovery begins with individual nursing care - including pain management.
  • Depending on your procedure and medical condition, you will either recover in our Post-Cath Recovery Unit or be taken to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.
  • Two immediate family members can visit with you in the Recovery area. No one under the age of 12 will be allowed to visit in the recovery area or Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.
  • Once you have met specific medical criteria, you will be discharged home or transferred to the Cardiovascular Unit (CVU), for additional monitoring.
 Post-Procedure
  • Recuperation:
    • You will stay in bed for a period of time, which may include lying flat for several hours.
  • A registered nurse will:
    • Take vital signs.
    • Treat any nausea/vomiting.
    • Manage pain, if needed.
    • Offer fluids.
    • Provide discharge education (both written and verbal) to you and to the person who is taking you home.
  • Site Closure Device Information:
    One of the following special products may be used to seal the puncture site of the artery used during your procedure:
    • Vasoseal: a protein (collagen) "plug". It may be felt as the size of a small olive pit at the site for 5-7 days. The collagen will reabsorb in approximately six weeks. You may notice slight redness and swelling around the puncture site. This is normal. However, if you notice the appearance of the collagen (a whitish, clear substance) protruding from the puncture site, report this to your cardiologist.
    • Angio-Seal: a device composed of a small collagen sponge and an absorbable anchor, connected by absorbable suture. This "sandwiches" the puncture between the anchor (inside the artery) and the collagen sponge (outside the artery). You may notice a possible pea size lump and mild tenderness to the touch at the procedure site.
    • Clos-Sur P.A.D.: A pressure applied dressing using the cell binding action of Polyprolate (a hemostatic agent) to stop bleeding at the puncture site. If this is used, you will need to remove the dressing after 24 hours of the procedure by wetting the Clo-Sur P.A.D. with water, allow it to dissolve and then remove slowly.
  • Prescriptions:
    • Your cardiologist will provide any discharge prescriptions necessary.
  • Going Home:
    • You will be observed and made comfortable until you have met medical criteria.
    • You will begin cardiac rehabilitation to help you return to your normal routine as soon as possible.
    • Depending on your needs and the procedure performed, many patients are able to go home within 24 hours.
    • A registered nurse will accompany you out of the building when you are discharged. You may walk to your car, if feeling well enough, or be assisted in a wheelchair.
Cardiac Cath Lab
Utah Valley Heart Center
1034 North 500 West
Provo, Utah 84604
Phone: (801) 357-7850
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