Please follow these important instructions.
A few weeks before the procedure
If you take Coumadin (warfarin): Your INR results must be within the therapeutic range of 2 and above for three weeks in a row before your cardioversion. If your results are not within this range, your procedure may be rescheduled. Please ask your doctor for details about reporting your results.
If you take a different type of anticoagulant (blood thinner), you must take your medication as prescribed for 3 weeks (21 consecutive days) before your procedure. Call us if you miss a dose. Your procedure may need to be rescheduled.
The day before the procedure
Procedure time
- The time you are told to come in for your procedure is your check-in time and not the actual time of the procedure. The extra time is needed to get you ready for your procedure.
- When you call for your procedure time, please ask the nurse for details about taking medications and over-the-counter items on the day of your procedure.
- Emergency situations and unexpected delays may cause your procedure to be delayed or canceled.
We are committed to providing each patient with the best care. We will do our best to make sure you and your visitors are as comfortable as possible during your stay.
Eating, drinking, tobacco use
Eat a normal meal the evening before your procedure. DO NOT eat, drink or chew anything after 12 midnight. This includes gum, mints, water, etc. Do not use tobacco products after 12 midnight.
The day of the procedure
Before you come to the hospital:
- Don’t swallow water when you brush your teeth.
- Do not wear makeup or nail polish.
- Do not wear jewelry, including wedding rings.
- Do not use deodorant, powder, cream or lotion.
- Do not bring jewelry, money or valuables to the hospital.
- You must bring a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure. The medication used during the procedure will make you drowsy, so it is unsafe for you to drive. You cannot drive for 24 hours after the procedure.
- Wear comfortable, easy-to-fold clothing. You will change into a gown before the procedure.
- We request a urine sample from all women of childbearing age to make sure you are not pregnant.
