OUTPATIENT PROCEDURE INFORMATION

General Information

You have been scheduled for a test to learn more about what is causing your symptoms of a heart rhythm disorder. If the test shows what is wrong, you may undergo another procedure known as catheter ablation to fix the problem, but your doctor will have discussed this possibility with you in advance. This additional procedure can often be done at the same time. When all of the testing is done, you will return home after spending a few hours of recovery from sedation.

Our office has provided you with instructions on
    -the latest you can eat or drink
    -where to check in
    -when to check in
    -when you should stop certain medications,
      if necessary
Call the office (217-788-0706) if you aren't sure of any of these.

What Will Happen After You Arrive

Once you have checked in on the 5th floor at the Prairie Heart Institute (PHI), you will be brought to an area known as pre-cath. This is on the 4th floor at PHI. The staff will bring you into private room. There, you will change into a gown. A small catheter will be placed into your arm vein and used for fluid or medication administration. Within an hour or two, the nursing staff will bring you to the electrophysiology lab and move you onto the test table. The room may feel cool.

Both of your groin areas will be cleaned with special soap solutions to remove skin bacteria. You will be covered with sterile sheets and asked to keep your arms at you sides at all times. Usually, your arms and legs are comfortably secured with straps.

Medicine will be given into you vein to help you sleep during the test and to make you comfortable. If you are having the Head Up Tilt Test (HUTT), medicine for sleep will not be given. The skin in the groin area will be numbed so that the placement of tubes (catheters) into the groin vessels won=t be uncomfortable. Several catheters are placed into the heart and this cannot be felt.

Depending on which test or procedure you will have, the amount of time spent in the electrophysiology lab may be as little as 30-45 minutes to as long as 3-4 hours.