Preparing for Your Procedure

Important pre-procedural information

When you are scheduled for a vascular procedure, you will receive a call from a pre-procedural screening nurse at Baton Rouge General. It is very important that you follow the instructions given to you during your evaluation, or by your doctor about arrival times, eating and taking medications before a procedure. There may be guidelines that are specific to you, the procedure you're having, and the doctor performing the procedure. Failure to follow the instructions could lead to a delay or cancelation of your procedure.

Eating Guidelines

Adult patients undergoing anesthesia should have nothing by mouth for a minimum of 6 hours before their procedure.

Medication Guidelines

There may be pre-procedural medication restrictions that are specific to you, the procedure you're having, and the doctor performing the procedure. You might be instructed to change dosage or discontinue use of certain medications for a period of time before your procedure. It is very important that you follow the instructions given to you during your pre-procedural evaluation, or by your doctor.

Possible Medication Restrictions:

• Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and other anti-inflammatory medications
• Diabetes medications
• Vitamins and other dietary supplements
• High blood pressure medication

If you have questions about your medications, please call your doctor’s office.

What to Bring

Click here to view guidelines on what to bring the day of your procedure.

Visitation Guidelines

Click here to view visitation guidelines.

Going home

Follow your doctor’s recommendations for activity after you leave the hospital. A nurse will contact you a couple days after your procedure to check in and see how you are doing. Be sure to share any concerns or questions you have.

If you decide you need home care after your procedure, you will need to work with your care team who can help make arrangements.

Please ensure you have arranged transportation with a friend or family member to bring you home safely following your procedure. Sedation, anesthesia and/or pain mediation may impair your ability to drive. Your friend or family member will need to be present for discharge instructions.

Some other things to remember are to make sure any prescriptions you need filled are arranged for and plan to have someone stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure even if you feel ok.