Please follow these important instructions to prepare for your pulmonary vein ablation (PVAI) procedure. Please let your doctor know if you are allergic to intravenous (IVP) dye, iodine or latex.
Three weeks before your procedure
Medication Information
Take your medication as you normally do, unless your doctor tells you to make changes.
If you take Coumadin (warfarin)
We will mail you an INR record to complete. Your INR levels need to be documented and within a certain range for 3 consecutive weeks before your procedure. The readings must be at least 7 days apart. Please complete your part of the form and give it to the healthcare provider who manages your Coumadin. Please make sure the completed form is sent to us 3 to 5 days before your pulmonary vein ablation (PVAI) procedure. Fax the form to 216.445.6160.
If we do not get the INR information, you will need to have a transesophageal echo (TEE) before your procedure. This will significantly delay the start of your procedure.
If you take another anticoagulant
DO NOT miss any doses of your medication. If you miss a dose within the 3 weeks before your PVAI procedure, Call 216.444.4379 or 800.223.2273, ext. 44379 to speak with the PVAI scheduler. You may need to have more tests before your procedure.
Two weeks before your procedure
Call your doctor's office
Please call your doctor’s office to go over important instructions about how to prepare for your procedure. Your doctor may tell you to make changes to your medications. Please ask your doctor any questions you have, and make sure you understand all of the information he or she gives you.
If you are sick before your procedure
Please call us at 216.444.4379 or 800.223.2273, ext. 44379, if you have a cold, fever, persistent cough, sore throat or other illness within 2 days of your procedure.
The day before the procedure
Call 800.223.2273 Monday - Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and ask for pager number 21215. Have a pen or pencil ready to complete the information below.
Your arrival time and location
We will tell you what time to arrive at the hospital on the day of your procedure. The schedule is not finalized until the day before your procedure. Please do not call the Cleveland Clinic Operator or Admitting Office. If your procedure is scheduled on a Monday, please call the Friday before. If your procedure is scheduled near a holiday, please call the last business day before the holiday.
Desk J1-1 is Admitting & Registration (Located off the main hallway in the J Building).
Desk J2-1 Electrophysiology Lab (take the J East elevators to the 2nd floor).
Eating and drinking before your procedure
Only one (A or B) will apply:
- (A) Do NOT eat or drink anything (including gum and mints) after midnight. You can have very small sips of water to take your medications as directed.
- (B) Eat a light breakfast (coffee or tea with toast and juice) before 7:00 a.m. the morning of your procedure. Drink only water after 7:00 a.m.
The morning of the procedure
- Follow your instructions from the nurse 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.
- Plan to stay overnight in the hospital. Pack a small bag with personal items. Please leave this bag in your car or with a family member when you check in and have them bring it to you if you need to stay the night.
The day of the procedure
- Bring 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.
- We will do everything possible to stay on schedule, but your procedure may be delayed or cancelled due to emergency or unexpected situations. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
- You will wear a hospital gown during 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 get information about what to expect during your recovery.
- Plan to stay in the hospital overnight, but you may be able to go home the same day.
- If you do not spend the night in the hospital and live within 90 minutes of Cleveland Clinic, you may go home. If you live further than 90 minutes away, please make plans to stay in the Cleveland area for 2 nights after your procedure.
- For your safety, a responsible adult must drive you home after the procedure. If you have a long trip, please stop or get up every hour and walk for 5 to 10 minutes.
- If you are flying home, we suggest using a wheelchair to take you to and from the plane.
- Plan to rest when you get home.
- You cannot drive for 24 hours after the procedure. Your doctor will tell you when you can drive again.
Travel to Cleveland Clinic
Medical Concierge: 800.223.2273 ext. 55580 to help plan your trip.
Cleveland Clinic hotel reservations: 877.707.8999.
Directions and road construction information: 216.444.9500 or 800.223.2273 ext. 49500.
After your procedure, if you have questions or concerns, please call 888.490.6121 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. After hours and weekends, call 216.444.2200 or 800.223.2273; ask the operator to page the EP Fellow on call.
