An angioplasty is a fairly-routine non-surgical procedure
that is used to open blocked arteries. However, if you are planning an angioplasty
or stenting procedure, you may be confused or stressing about what to expect.
Here are five tips to help you prepare for you next angioplasty.
1. Know What to Expect – During your procedure, you will be
given a general anesthetic to help you relax and stave off any anxiety. You
will also be given a local anesthetic where the catheter will go in. Next, a
sheath will be inserted into an artery in your groin, and catheter will be
passed through this sheath and guided through the blood vessels to the heart.
The procedure usually takes around two hours.
2. Assemble Your Team – Another thing that will help you
manage stress and ensure a complication-free angioplasty is to assemble the
best team of health care professionals to manage your care. Taking the time to
ask questions to these professionals so that you understand exactly what you
can do to make the procedure successful.
3. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions – Your doctor will tell
you to abstain from eating or drinking after midnight the night before the
operation. Additionally, if you wear contacts, glasses, or a hearing aid, you
will need those during your procedure in order to communicate with your cardiac
surgeon during the operation.
4. Be Aware of Medications You’re Taking – Coumadin,
diuretics, and insulin are several medications that could cause complications
during your angioplasty, so you will want to discuss those with your doctors.
Additionally, let your surgeon know if you are allergic to anything, such as
latex, iodine, or rubber that could cause complications during the procedure.
No comments:
Post a Comment