1: Drop-off and parking
Parking information and SMRHP directions for patients
On the day of your procedure we recommend that you are dropped off at RVH's Georgian entrance, before your family, friend, or caregiver parks in the Main Visitor parking lot. Take the Georgian (purple) elevators to level 4 - located to your left once inside the Georgian entrance. Once you are on level 4, the SMRHP is located directly outside the Georgian elevator doors.
Parking information and SMRHP directions for family, friends or caregivers
Park in RVH's Main Visitor parking lot once you have dropped the patient off at RVH's Georgian entrance. Enter RVH's Main entrance and follow the blue navigation line to the Main (blue) elevators. Take the Main (blue) elevators to level 4 and follow direction signage to SMRHP.
2: Registration
Registration will take approximately 5-10 minutes where you will complete a patient questionnaire and be given a patient gown and identification bracelet. You will
be directed to the patient change room and asked to use the patient lockers to store your belongings on the unit. You can have one family member accompany you to the recovery bay where you will meet your nurse and cardiologist.
3: During Your Angiogram
Pre-procedure meeting with your physician and nurse
Your physician and nurse will meet with you before your Angiogram in the recovery bay, they will:
• Review your our health history and medications
• Take your vitals such as blood pressure, pulse and assess your breathing
• A catheter will be inserted into your arm or groin where a dye will be inserted and so that you can receive medications during your procedure
During your angiogram
Typically an angiogram will take 20-30 minutes. You will be brought into RVH's Cardiac Intervention Unit. Depending on your procedure (radial or femoral) dye will be inserted through an intravenous line inserted in your arm or groin. When the dye is injected you may have a brief sensation of flushing or warmth.
4: After Angiogram Recovery
When the angiogram is over, the catheter is removed from your arm or groin and the incision is closed with manual pressure, a clamp or a small plug. After the procedure we will take you to the recovery bay where:
• You will be monitored for 2-4 hours.
• Your puncture site is likely to remain tender, feel slightly bruised and have a small bump
• You may experience a feeling of pressure on your puncture site.
This is normal
• If you had a catheter inserted into your groin, you will also be asked to lay flat on your back -
do your best to not bend your legs, arms, neck and head
• We will encourage you to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the dye from your body
• You will be given a light snack to eat
At this time your family will have the opportunity to visit with you. They can bring your belongings so that you can change in the Recovery Bay when it is time to go home. Your physician will visit with you and discuss and to the results to answer any questions you have and to clear you for discharge.
The results from your angiogram will be sent to your referring physician.
5: Getting home
Please ensure that you have a responsible person with you for 24 hours after your procedure. You will not be able to drive after your procedure - please arrange to have transportation home. Your responsible person will participate as you are being discharged to recieve recovery instructions. When you are discharged your responsible person can get your mode of transportation and meet you at the Georgian (purple) entrance. An RVH volunteer will take you by wheelchair to the Georgian Entrance to meet them.
Recovery at home after your Angiogram
Depending on the site of your angiogram your recovery will take 2 days to 1 week. If your wrist was used do not use that arm for 24 hours after your procedure. During this time please avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting and refrain from soaking in water – this includes bathing, swimming and even doing the dishes!
For questions are concerns contact the Cardiac Care Coordinator at
705-728-9090 ext. 46123
