Endovascular or Cerebrovascular Surgery: What You Can Expect

Pre-Procedure

Your comfort and peace of mind are an important part of your treatment. Communication is very important, and we are here to answer your questions throughout the process.

Before endovascular or cerebrovascular surgery, you will meet with your doctor for a physical exam and undergo ay recommended pre-procedure tests such as a stress test or electrogram, CT Scan, MRI or angiography. You should also share all medicines you are currently taking with your doctor and, if you are a smoker, you should stop smoking prior to your procedure as nicotine negatively impacts the healing process. You will also be given a list of medicines, vitamins and herbs you should avoid before and after your surgery.

Procedure

The day of your surgery you should take only the medication your doctor told you to take with a sip of water.

Your first stop will be Same Day Surgery on the X floor of Physicians Regional Medical Center where you will be directed to the Pre-op Holding area. You will change into a hospital gown, and you may get white (pressure) stockings to help prevent blood clots in your legs after surgery. An anesthesia care provider will talk to you about the kind of anesthesia to be used (general and/or IV sedation) as well as pain relief to help you relax and/or sleep during surgery. An IV line will be placed in your arm for fluids and medications.

For endovascular neurosurgical procedures, the area for catheter insertion will be cleaned to prevent infections and the doctor will make a small incision (generally in the groin area between the hip and thigh) to access the blood vessels. A tiny, flexible tube called a catheter is passed through the skin opening and into the blood vessel. Dye may be used to enhance the medical imaging. While looking at live medical images of the area, the doctor moves the catheter to the area of concern to determine the next step in the surgical procedure and this will help determine the treatment (stenting, embolization or other treatment).

Post-procedure

Following your procedure you will be moved to a Post Anesthesia Care Unit, also called PACU, where you will be monitored as you recover from anesthesia. After an assessment period, you will either be discharged home or admitted to the hospital.

It is critical you follow your doctor's discharge instructions, including scheduling your follow-up appointment, and be aware of any potential complications.