Please follow these important instructions to prepare for your procedure.
Three weeks before your procedure
If you take Coumadin® (warfarin): The results of your INR test (a blood test that checks blood clotting) must be within a certain range before you can have the procedure. You must have 3 documented therapeutic INR levels for 3 consecutive weeks before the procedure. In most cases, you will continue to take your Coumadin as directed before the procedure, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
If we do not get these test results, you will need to have a transesophageal echo (TEE) before your procedure. This will cause a significant delay to the start of your procedure.
If you take any other anticoagulant, take your medication as prescribed. Please call us if you miss a dose of medication — you may need more tests.
Two weeks before the procedure
Call your doctor's office: Please call your doctor’s office to discuss your medications and review important procedure instructions. Please write down and ask any questions you have about preparing for the procedure.
If you have diabetes and take oral medications (pills), please ask the nurse if you should stop taking Glucophage®, Glucovance® or metformin before the procedure, and when to stop taking it.
Send us your list of medications
You must send us a complete list of your current medications 2 weeks before the procedure. Please include your name and the names of your medication(s), how much you take, and how many times per day you take each medication. Include all nonprescription/over-the-counter medications you take regularly, including vitamins and supplements.
Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications. DO NOT stop taking any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Two days before the procedure
Please call us if you have a cold, fever, persistent cough, sore throat or other illness within 2 days before the procedure.
The morning of the procedure
- Follow instructions about eating, drinking and taking medications the morning of the procedure.
- Do not wear makeup or nail polish.
- Do not wear any jewelry, including wedding rings. Please leave these items and other valuables at home.
- Do not use powder, cream or lotion. You may wear a small amount of deodorant.
- Wear comfortable, easy-to-fold clothing.
- You will stay overnight in the hospital. Pack a small bag with personal items you need to be comfortable. Please leave this bag in your car or with a family member when you check in and have them bring it to you in your room.
The day of the procedure
- Bring a one-day supply of your prescription medications with you. (We will give you all of your medications while you are in the hospital, but please bring your medications in case your procedure is delayed or scheduled for the next day. Do not take any medications without first talking to the healthcare team.
- You will change into a hospital gown for the procedure.
- If you are a female of childbearing age, you will have a urine test to check for pregnancy.
After the procedure
- You will stay in the hospital overnight.
- You will get information about what to expect during your recovery.
- For your safety, a responsible adult must drive you home after the procedure. If you live more than 2 hours from Cleveland Clinic, we suggest that you stay in a hotel overnight and go home the next day. Please stop every hour and walk for 5 to 10 minutes during your ride home.
- Plan to rest when you arrive home.
- You cannot drive for 24 hours after the procedure. Your doctor will tell you when you can drive again.
