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Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Before the Procedure
The Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) nurse will contact you several days before the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedure. The nurse will answer your questions and review pre-procedure guidelines. Please tell the nurse about any allergies or if you have ever had an unusual reaction to iodine or x-ray contrast (dye).

Stop taking Coumadin® at least three days before the procedure. Before stopping this medication, you should discuss it with your primary physician. If you are a diabetic taking Metformin (Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Glucovance®), talk with your doctor who manages your diabetes. The contrast given during PCI may affect the way Metformin works. You may not take Metformin for at least 48 hours after a PCI. Contact your doctor to develop a short-term plan for controlling your blood sugar (diet, other medicines or checking blood sugar levels).

  • The night before PCI, do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
  • On the day of the PCI, take only the medicine the nurse has instructed you to take. Medicine should be taken with small sips of water.
  • Do not take Metformin (Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Glucovance®) on the morning of the PCI.

Contact
Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute
(866) 662-8467

Cardiac Catheterization Department
(312) 926-5135

Procedure Guide

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Methods of Treatment
Before the Procedure
Day of the Procedure
During the Procedure
After the Procedure
Discharge Instructions
When to Call the Doctor
Recovery

Review Date: 04/07