Please read this entire page. It contains important information to help you prepare for your cardiac catheterization. You will receive more detailed information after you schedule your procedure. If you have any questions, please be sure to ask your doctor or nurse. Thank you!
Information to Share With Your Doctor at Your TAVR Evaluation or TMVR Evaluation
Allergies
Tell your doctor about all allergies you have. It is very important to let your doctor know if you are allergic to IVP dye, iodine or shellfish. IVP dye is a contrast agent used during catheterization. You may need to take a steroid medication before the procedure to prevent problems. Your doctor may also have you take hydrocortisone or Benadryl. Please take all medication as directed. Otherwise, your procedure may need to be rescheduled.
Medications
Tell your doctor about every medication and supplement/vitamin you take. Some common medications and directions for taking them before your procedure are listed here. Please make sure you understand how to take your medications before your procedure.
If you have an LVAD, please talk to a member of your heart failure or transplant team about how to adjust your medications before your procedure.
- Anticoagulants ("blood thinners"): Stop taking Coumadin or other anticoagulants three (3) days before your procedure. If you take Coumadin, you will have an INR test the day of your catheterization to make sure it is safe for you to have the procedure.
- Aspirin/Plavix: It is okay to take aspirin and Plavix as usual unless your doctor gives you other instructions.
- Diabetes Medications: You can take insulin like you usually do. Do not take oral medication (pills) for diabetes the day of your procedure. If you have an insulin pump, make sure you tell the nurse who helps you get ready for your catheterization.
- Diuretics ("water pills"): Do not take diuretics the day of your procedure unless your doctor tells you to.
Bleeding*
Be sure to tell your doctor today if you have ever had internal bleeding.
Scheduled surgery*
Tell your doctor today if you have surgery scheduled in the next 6 months.
*Prior internal bleeding and scheduled surgery may affect your doctor’s treatment decisions.
Hydration
Talk to your doctor today about staying hydrated before your catheterization. You may need more fluids than normal before your procedure.
Ask your doctor about pre-procedure testing
Check with your doctor today if you need any more testing before your procedure. You may need blood work, an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) and/or a chest X-ray. If you had any of these tests done outside of Cleveland Clinic, make sure the results are in your chart. All pre-procedure testing needs to be done within 30 days before the procedure.
Catheterization scheduling
Make sure you arrange to have a responsible adult stay with you on the day of your procedure and to drive you home. If you do not have a driver, your catheterization will be cancelled.
Plan on spending the entire day of your procedure at Cleveland Clinic. You may need to spend the night in the hospital.
Getting your arrival time
Please make sure you get a copy of the green handout that has directions on how to get your arrival time. If you do not have a copy, ask for one at the desk. The sheet has important information about how to prepare for your catheterization. Please read the entire handout and let us know if you have any questions.
Cancelling a scheduled procedure
It is possible that your doctor may tell you after today’s visit that you do not need to have a catheterization, even if you have one scheduled.
If you need to cancel your catheterization today:
- Ask the person at the front desk to let the Scheduling Nurse know you need to cancel (ext. 56732 or pager 22570).
If you need to cancel your catheterization because you got sick or have problems on the day of the procedure, call 216.444.6682 or 800.223.2273, ext. 46682 after 5:30 a.m.
Other information
Personal needs
If you have concerns about transportation, childcare or anything else that might affect your arrival time, please talk to the Scheduling Nurse today. You can ask at the front desk to be connected to extension 56732 or Pager 22570.
