Before Your Procedure
You will be asked to not eat or drink after midnight the night before your appointment. All medications should be taken at the regular time unless indicated by your physician.
Once you arrive, the necessary paperwork will need to be filled out. Be sure to bring your insurance information. You will then be taken to the pre-observation area where the nursing staff and physician will ask you questions about your general health, medical history, and symptoms. In addition, a physical exam will be conducted. A consent form will be explained to you, including the procedure and risks that may be involved. Once this is completed, you will be taken into a procedure room.

During Your Procedure
You will be lying down on your back with your knees slightly elevated. The staff will clean your skin at the procedure site and the area will be sterilized and covered with a sterile drape. You will be connected to an EKG monitor during the procedure to monitor your vital signs. The insertion site will then be numbed and the physician will make a small puncture into the vessel. You will be given some mild sedation for relaxation and to minimize the discomfort during the procedure, but you will remain awake, able to follow instructions and describe your sensations.

After Your Procedure
You will be able to go home about 45 minutes after the procedure is complete. The nursing staff and physician will assess your recovery and you will need someone to drive you home. When discharged, you should rest at home for the remainder of the day but you may resume your usual activities the following day, with the exception of lifting heavy objects. You should expect some bruising and tenderness at the procedure site.