Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)

What to Expect

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 - Upon arrival, you will be asked to remove your clothing and put on a hospital gown. You may wear socks if your feet get cold, and you may also wear your glasses, dentures, and/or hearing aid if you use them. Any other jewelry or valuables will be given to your family for safe-keeping.
  
  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. You will be given medication to help you relax, although you will be awake during the procedure.
  
  The area where the PTCA catheter will be inserted, either the groin or arm, will be shaved and cleaned with antiseptic soap. 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.
  

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