Cardiac Services
- Choosing a hospital
- Choosing a doctor
- Minutes matter
- How the heart works
- Are you at risk?
- Diagnosis & treatment
- Frequent questions
- Rehabilitation
- Patient stories
- Resources
- Glossary
Phone Numbers
Directory assistance
(203) 688-4242
Patient information
(203) 688-4177
Adult emergency
(203) 688-2222
Children's emergency
(203) 688-3333
Admitting
(203) 688-2221
Children's admitting
(203) 688-3331
Psychiatric admitting
(203) 688-9907
Frequently asked questions
PTCA (angioplasty)
What you should know about having PTCA (angioplasty), stent or atherectomy (roto) procedures at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
When will my procedure take place?
Your doctor will schedule the date of your angioplasty. YNHH will contact
you one or two days before your scheduled date to let you know what time
to arrive. We will give you an approximate time for your angioplasty,
but because the length of the procedure differs depending on the needs
of each patient, you will be scheduled in order, i.e., first , second,
etc. rather than for a specific time.
What should I do to prepare?
Ask your doctor any questions you may have about the procedure. Check
with your insurance company about preauthorization requirements and arrange
to have a friend or family member transport you to and from the hospital.
What about my medications?
If you are taking Coumadin or Glucophage, notify your doctor because you
will need to stop taking these medications ahead of time. Your physician
will instruct you about which medications to take on the morning of your
test. You do not need to bring any with you to the hospital unless you
are specifically instructed to do so, but do bring a list of the medications
and the dosages you take. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor for specific
directions on taking your medication.
May I eat and drink as usual?
Do not eat anything after midnight the night before your angioplasty,
unless otherwise instructed. You may take water with your usual medication
if your doctor has instructed you to take it the morning of the procedure.
What should I bring with me?
You will not need pajamas since you will change into a hospital robe before
your angioplasty. You may bring material to read, your glasses and any
toiletries you plan to use. Leave valuables at home.
Will my family be allowed to stay with me?
Your family is welcome to stay with you until you go to the cath lab for
your test. A waiting room for family and friends is provided nearby where
your doctor can provide updates.
Where should I check in when I arrive on the
day of my test?
You will be instructed to check in either at the Admitting Office on the
first floor of the East Pavilion or at Diagnostic Imaging on the second
floor of the South Pavilion.
What happens before the test?
Your nurse will tell you what to expect during the procedure, give you
instructions on coughing and explain how you might feel when the catheter
is inserted. You will be given a brief physical, your medical history
will be taken and your groin area where the catheter will be inserted
will be prepared and shaved. You may also have a condom cath or a foley
cath to help relieve your bladder while you are on bedrest after the procedure.
Will I be awake?
Yes. You will be given medication through an IV tube to help you relax
and local anesthetic, but you will not be asleep.
Can I wear my glasses and/or dentures?
Yes.
Where is the angioplasty performed?
In the angioplasty lab on the second floor of the East Pavilion.
Who will be in the procedure room with me?
A registered nurse, your doctor and a technician will be taking care of
you.
Will I be able to talk?
You will be able to speak, and the nurse and doctors in the room will
talk to you.
Will I be able to watch?
If you like, you may view the procedure on a monitor. If you're not interested
in watching, you may close your eyes or turn your head.
How long will it take?
The procedure generally takes two hours.
How will I feel during the test?
The procedure is not painful. You may feel a temporary stinging sensation
when your groin site is being numbed, similar to the sting you feel when
blood is drawn or an IV is inserted.
What will happen after the procedure?
You will return to your room where you will spend four to 12 hours in
bed with your head elevated about 35 degrees. You will be asked to keep
your leg straight, and your nurse will help you if you need to change
position. A pressure bandage will be placed over the insertion site, which
your nurse or patient care associate will check regularly. Your vital
signs will also be monitored and you may have an EKG or blood work done
as well.
When will I be able to eat?
You may have something to eat and drink as soon as you return to your
room. You'll receive IV fluids to flush the dye used in the test out of
your system, and you'll be given pain medication if you need it.
Will my activity be restricted?
You should not lift anything heavy for 24-48 hours, limit the number of
times you go up and down stairs and avoid bending as much as possible
for 24 hours.
When can I go home?
Your doctor will let you know if you can go home the morning after your
angioplasty.
Will I be on a special diet?
You will need to be on a heart healthy diet (low fat, low cholesterol
and low sodium). If you have questions about diet, ask to see your dietitian.
When can I drive?
You will be able to drive 24-48 hours after the procedure unless otherwise
instructed. Ask your doctor when you may return to work and resume normal
activities.
When can I have sex?
You may resume sexual activity when you return home unless otherwise
instructed.
When can I take a shower?
You may shower when you are able to get out of bed. You should not take
a tub bath or swim for 48 hours so that the clot that has formed over
your insertion site will not be dislodged.
• YNHH Health Library: PTCA (Angioplasty)
Next page: Frequent questions about bypass surgery
Last revised: May 23, 2007 (dh)
