Cardiovascular Short Stay

Preparation & Recovery for Cardiac Catheterization in St. Landry Parish

The Cardiovascular Short Stay Unit is a specialized unit providing care for patients undergoing cardiac catheterizations. Patients come to the unit to prepare for the procedure and return after the procedure, where nurses monitor patients until discharge.

The unit gives patients a medically monitored recovery after procedures, with immediate access to a higher level of care if complications develop.

Preparing for Your Procedure

It is important that you not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. However, if your procedure is scheduled for after 10:30 am then you may eat a light breakfast before 7:00 am. Make sure you take any medications that have been provided to you for the procedure.

Prepare to spend up to eight hours in the hospital. Bring all of your medications and prepare an overnight bag just in case.

When You Arrive

When you arrive for your appointment, you will report to the front desk. An armband will be placed around your arm before you are taken to your Cardiovascular Short Stay room on the third floor. Once you are in your room, a hospital gown will be provided. You will need to completely disrobe and put on the gown.

A CVSS nurse will help you prep for your procedure by:

• Starting the IV
• Connecting the heart monitor
• Shaving the groin area
• Marking pulses on your feet
• Providing a sedative and pre-procedure medication

After prep, a member of the Cath Lab will come for you as soon as the doctor is ready. This can sometimes take several hours.

In the Lab

You will be brought to the Cath Lab on a stretcher once the doctor is ready. Patients remain conscious during their procedure, but IV sedation will be provided to help you remain conscious.

The length of the procedure will depend on what type of treatment you need. It may last anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour. You will be returned to your room once the procedure is complete.

Recovery

Back in your room, you will have a chance to rest and recover from the procedure. You will need to keep your leg still after the procedure – a sandbag may be placed over your leg to remind you of this and to prevent any bleeding in the groin area.

You will need to rest in bed for four to five hours. Food will be provided to you during this time. At the time of discharge, you will be brought to your vehicle via a wheelchair. Keep in mind that you cannot drive for 24 hours after receiving sedation.

Have questions? Please call us today at (337) 407-4515 to speak with a knowledgeable member of our staff.