YOUR PROCEDURE GUIDE
At Tulsa Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, our team is committed to making sure you feel informed and comfortable before, during, and after your procedure. Here’s what you can expect:
BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE
Our care team will contact you about a week before your procedure to review preparation steps and confirm your schedule. During this pre-op call, we’ll:
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Dress comfortably - Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to take off and put back on. You will be asked to remove your shirt, socks, or shoes, or to change into a medical gown.
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Review your procedure date, time, and location.
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Go over your medications, including which to continue or hold (especially blood thinners and diabetic medications).
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Discuss lab work, if needed, within 30 days before your procedure.
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Remind you to avoid food or drink after midnight before your procedure if sedation is planned.
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Ask about allergies, particularly to iodine or contrast dye.
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Hygiene & Skincare: Please do not apply makeup, lotions, creams, or oils to your skin, and refrain from wearing perfume or cologne.
You may also be asked to shower the night before with unscented antibacterial soap.
If you have prior test results, imaging, or doctor’s notes, please send them in advance or have them faxed directly to our office at (855) 312-3594.
A responsible driver is required to bring you home and stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure.
DURING YOUR PROCEDURE
Most vascular procedures, like angiograms or vein assessments, usually take about 4–6 hours from start to finish, including preparation and recovery time.
Here’s what happens:
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The area where the catheter will be inserted is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia.
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A thin catheter is carefully guided through your blood vessels to reach the area being studied or treated.
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Contrast dye is used to help visualize blood flow on imaging.
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You may feel a brief warm or flushing sensation as the dye is injected — this is normal.
You’ll be sedated and closely monitored throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE
After the procedure, you’ll rest in the recovery area for 1–2 hours while we monitor your vital signs and insertion site.
If your catheter was inserted through the groin, you may need to lie flat for a short period to prevent bleeding.
Before discharge, your nurse will review:
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How to care for the access site,
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When to resume medications,
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Signs or symptoms to watch for (such as bleeding, swelling, or infection), and
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Scheduled follow-up visit
If you have any concerns after going home, call our office at (918) 943-5303 during business hours.
