Preparing for Surgery

Before your procedure

• Please have a bath or shower before you come in, as it may be uncomfortable to do so for a short period afterwards.
• Please do not shave the groin, wrist, or chest area yourself — this will be done for you if needed. Self-shaving increases the risk of infection.
• If you are diabetic, please contact us in advance for specific instructions on managing your insulin or oral diabetic medication on the day, as fasting affects these.
• If you are taking aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilique), or prasugrel: please do NOT stop these medications unless specifically instructed by Dr Tang. These are often continued - or in some cases started — for your procedure, and stopping them without advice can be dangerous.
• If you are taking warfarin or a DOAC (apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, or dabigatran): these often need to be stopped in advance of your procedure, normally 48 hours but this can be confirmed by Dr Tang. Please do not stop these yourself without instruction - contact the office if you haven't been given specific guidance.
• If you are taking other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen), please mention this at your pre-assessment so we can advise.
• Fasting: Please do not eat for 6 hours before your procedure. You may drink clear fluids (water) up to 2 hours beforehand, unless told otherwise. Do not stop any heart medications for fasting purposes unless advised.
• Please do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before your procedure.
• Please leave valuables, jewellery, and makeup at home.
• Bring any regular medications with you in their original packaging, along with loose, comfortable clothing for afterwards.
• Please let us know in advance if you develop a cold, cough, fever, or infection before your procedure, as it may need to be postponed.
• Please stop herbal supplements such as ginseng, garlic, gingko, or St John's Wort at least a week before your procedure if possible, as these can increase bleeding risk - but do check with us first if any of these are for a medical reason.

On the day

• Please report to hospital reception at your allotted time.
• Most of these procedures are performed under local anaesthetic with light sedation, not a general anaesthetic - you will usually be awake, and a member of the team will explain what to expect.
• Afterwards you will recover in the ward/day unit rather than intensive care. Most angiogram, PCI, and pacemaker patients go home the same day or after one night, depending on the procedure and your consultant's advice.
• If you've had a groin (femoral) access site, you'll need to lie flat for a period afterwards - the team will let you know how long.
• After discharge, and for as long as advised, you should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions/sign important documents, particularly if you've had sedation. Pacemaker patients have specific arm-movement and driving restrictions - these will be explained before you leave.
• If you have any questions about the above, please don't hesitate to contact the office.