Valvuloplasty

What to Expect

What to Do the Night Before

1. (Client to insert hospital-specific information, such as phone numbers to call for scheduling time, etc.)
   
   
2. You should not eat or drink anything after midnight before your procedure. You may take your regular medications (with a small amount of water) unless advised otherwise by your physician. Consult your physician about taking your medications the day of the procedure. If your procedure is scheduled for later in the day, you may be able to have a clear liquid breakfast. Ask your physician about this if your procedure is scheduled for mid-day or later in the afternoon.
   
   
3. Arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure, as you will not be allowed to drive for a few days following the procedure.
   
   
4. Pack an overnight bag, as you will spend the night in the hospital following the procedure. Include your pajamas or gown, a robe, slippers, a change of underwear, and toilet articles such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
   
   
5. Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking.
   
   
6. You will be given an antibiotic to take before the procedure in order to help prevent an infection.
   

Diagnostic Tests Before the Procedure

Several procedures or tests are usually completed at some point prior to valvuloplasty. These tests may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias), and detects heart muscle damage.
  
  
• blood work, which may include, but is not limited to:
  
  
  • blood count
    
    
  • cardiac isoenzymes (to check for damage to the heart muscle)
    
    
  • electrolytes (such as potassium, calcium, and sodium)
    
    
  • bleeding studies (to assess the blood-clotting process)
    
    
  • kidney function tests
    
    
• chest x-ray - a diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
  
  
• echocardiography - a noninvasive (skin is not pierced) procedure that assesses the heart's function and structures with ultrasonic sound waves.

Scheduling/Registration Information

(Client to insert hospital-specific information)

Where the Procedure is Done

(Client to insert hospital-specific information)

Who Performs the Procedure

(Client to insert hospital-specific information)

Directions to the Hospital

(Client to insert the following information, if appropriate: directions to the hospital, area map, directions to the admission area, valet parking information, virtual tour link, etc.)

It is important to arrive at your scheduled time. Your procedure may not begin immediately due to varying lengths of procedures scheduled before your procedure. You will be updated as frequently as possible.

Preparing for the Procedure in the Hospital

(Client to insert hospital-specific information, if appropriate: location of the holding area, procedure, waiting rooms for family members, etc.)

• Description of IV, site preparations, and medications that may be administered - An intravenous (IV) line will be started in your hand or arm prior to the procedure for injection of medication and to administer IV fluids, if needed. The area designated as the catheter insertion site (groin or arm) will be shaved and washed with an antiseptic soap. You will receive a sedative medication in your IV before the procedure to help you relax. You may wear your glasses, dentures, or hearing aid if you use any of these. The pulses in your feet will be checked and the location where the pulses are felt will be marked on the skin with a marker. This is done in order to be able to compare the strength of these pulses after the procedure.
  
  
• Consent forms - You will be asked to sign a consent form after your physician explains the procedure, expected results, and possible complications and risks. Please read through the form carefully. If you have questions about anything in the consent form, please ask your physician to explain the information to you.
  
  
• Description of research studies - You may be asked before or after your procedure if you would like to participate in a research study. We believe research is important to our continued effort to improve care for the patients of tomorrow. However, you are not obligated to participate in any study, nor will your medical care be affected by your decision. Nonetheless, we would like you to make an informed decision. Should you have any questions about the research study you may decide to participate in, please feel free to ask your physician or the research associate during your visit.
  

page two