How To Prepare For The Procedure
To ensure a smooth procedure, an individual can prepare in a number of ways. The doctor who performs the procedure needs to know whether the patient regularly takes anticoagulants. Warfarin, dipyridamole and ticlopidine are examples. Patients are usually instructed to stop these medications two days prior to the procedure. Their doctor may prescribe an alternative blood-thinning method if necessary.
The patient must not take any nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or medications that contain acetylsalicylic acids during the week prior to the procedure. The patient is instructed to not eat or consume any liquids for eight hours prior to the procedure. The patient will be responsible for arranging transportation to and away from the facility. Some patients will be asked to spend the night at a place that is less than thirty miles from where their procedure takes place. Some patients will be required to stay the night at the hospital. They should bring an overnight bag with their personal items.
