Preparation for Procedure
Welcome and thank you for choosing Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center for your procedure. Our physicians, nurses and technologists are dedicated to providing highly skilled and compassionate care for you and your family. We understand that you may be apprehensive about your procedure. We hope the following information will be helpful to you as you prepare for the procedure and during your recovery.
The Interventional Radiology Unit is on the 3rd floor of Memorial’s Main Building.
We want to make your experience as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions or concerns that are not answered here, please do not hesitate to call your physician or the Interventional Radiology Unit at (814) 534-9583 or the Interventional Radiology Clinic at (814) 534-3199. You may call between 7 AM and 3 PM Monday through Friday.
Before Your Procedure
If you develop a cough, cold, abnormal temperature, sore throat, flu-like symptoms; or come in contact with anyone suffering from measles, chickenpox or any other communicable disease within 2 weeks prior to your procedure please call your physician. It may be necessary to reschedule your procedure for a time when you are feeling better.
You will need to stop taking all of your blood thinners 5 days prior to your procedure. This includes Coumadin, Plavix and Aspirin. Please contact your Interventional Radiologist at (814) 534-9583 for further instructions or any questions you may have.
You will not be allowed to eat or drink after midnight.
If you can't remember when you are schedule or the special prep involved please call your physician or the Radiology Department at (814) 534-9166 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
On the Morning of Your Procedure
Do not take any medication on the morning of your procedure unless instructed to take it by the physician or nurse. If you are permitted to take your medications the morning of your procedure, take it with a sip of water. If you are taking diabetic medications please check with your physician.
Wear loose fitting, clean, comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Wear your glasses instead of contact lenses. Do not wear make up, nail polish, jewelry or hairspray. Do not bring any valuables with you.
You may be accompanied by one adult family member or friend. Children should not accompany adults having a procedure. Because you are not permitted to drive after your procedure, an adult must accompany you to take you home. A responsible adult should stay with you the night following your procedure.
If you were not contacted by pre-certification please bring your identification and insurance cards. If you have questions about your insurance coverage or pre-certification, call your insurance company. If you are not covered by insurance, please make arrangements for payment by calling the business office at (814) 410-8470.
Day of the Procedure
When you arrive at the hospital on the day of your procedure, check in at the Outpatient Department desk in Memorial’s main lobby on the first floor. Turn right after you come through the main entrance. You will be registered for procedure and then someone will escort you to the Ambulatory Surgery Department.
You will sign in at registration desk and be taken back to your room. You will be given a hospital gown to wear. Healthcare professionals will be available in this area to make you comfortable and to answer your questions. Your safety is our number one priority.
The staff may ask you the same questions several times; they will ask your name, birth date, what procedure you are having done, your medications and your allergies. By repeating our questions, we are verifying and re-verifying very important information to ensure that your time with us is as safe as possible. A registered nurse will do an assessment. Please be prepared to tell your nurse when you last took each of your medications. You will have intravenous (IV) fluids started and given an IV antibiotic. You may have a foley catheter inserted into your bladder.
During the Procedure
You will be seen by your Interventional Radiologist. Your physician will ask you to sign a consent form, which legally permits your physician to perform your procedure.
You will be taken by stretcher into the procedure room and helped onto your back on a procedure table. The people around you in the room will be preparing for your procedure. The nurse will stay by your side and will explain everything that is happening.
You will be attached to a heart monitor during the procedure. Your vital signs will be monitored and your blood pressure will be taken. You may have an oxygen mask or oxygen prongs in your nose.
You will be given medication at this time to sedate you and a local anesthesia that numbs the treated area. The physician will access the uterine artery with a tiny catheter via the femoral artery in the groin. Once in place, tiny plastic particles are passed through the catheter to "block" the blood flow to the fibroid. Once the blood supply is stopped, the fibroid tissue will begin to break down and become reabsorbed by the body.
The procedure may last from one to two hours.
The physician will speak with you or your family about the results immediately after procedure is finished.
After Your Procedure
After your procedure you will be taken to your room. During this time you will awaken from sedation. The nurse will monitor your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, your breathing and the injection site.
You must lie flat for 2 hours post procedure. You will remain in the hospital overnight.
The nurse will give you instructions and you will be discharged to the care of a friend or family member – you will need an adult available to drive you home. Your written discharge instructions will include information on post procedural care. This will include restrictions on activity such as driving or lifting. You can often return to normal activities within only two to three days of having the procedure performed. Increased activity can help prevent serious or fatal complications of bed rest such as pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism from blood clots in the legs.
You will also be instructed on when to resume your medication. They will also include a list of symptoms that would require you to notify your physician. This includes fever over 101 degrees,
Thank-you for allowing us to take care of you during your uterine artery embolization.