Your Guide to Endovascular Cath Lab Procedures at Southern Vascular

Preparing for an endovascular procedure can feel like a lot. Suddenly, you’re juggling instructions, unfamiliar terminology, and the natural worry that comes with any medical appointment. At Southern Vascular of Panama City Beach, our clinical team and physicians make it a priority to slow things down, talk through your concerns, and understand exactly what you’re experiencing.

Since it’s easy to forget details in the moment, we’ve pulled together the questions we hear most often and reshaped them into a simple, friendly guide designed to help you feel informed, ready, and supported from start to finish.

Preparing for Your Procedure: What to Expect Before You Arrive

A smooth procedure begins long before you step into the cath lab. Your preparation helps protect your health, sharpen your results, and reduce avoidable risks. Here are some general guidelines for most endovascular procedures:

Fasting is part of your safety plan! An empty stomach minimizes the chance of nausea, vomiting, or breathing complications once sedation is administered.

If you take Metformin, you’ll need to stop before your procedure. The contrast dye used to visualize your arteries is filtered out by your kidneys—the same path Metformin takes. Giving your kidneys a break from the medication helps them fully clear the dye and lowers the risk of kidney complications. Your provider will give you specific instructions on which medications you can and cannot take.

Hydration afterward is essential to help flush everything out! Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after your procedure.

Transportation is a must. Because you’ll be sedated and recovering afterward, plan for someone to bring you to and from your appointment. Discharge timing depends on how your body responds, so flexibility helps tremendously.

Getting Settled: What Happens in Pre-Procedure

Expect to spend 1–2 hours with our team before you head into the cath lab. This time allows us to prepare your body, your records, and your care plan. Here’s what typically happens:

• Signing consent forms
• Reviewing your medical history & medications
• Performing a physical assessment
• Drawing blood & running labs
• Conducting diagnostic tests, if needed
• Starting an IV for fluids & medication
• Giving pre-procedure medications to prevent dye reactions & ease patient anxiety
• Preparing the site to reduce infection risk

Your physician will also meet with you personally beforehand. This is a perfect time to ask questions, talk through any additional concerns you may have, and understand the steps ahead.

Inside the Lab: What the Procedure Actually Feels Like

Once you enter the Cardiovascular Cath Lab, you’ll notice the room feels cool. This helps keep equipment sterile and prevents the X-ray systems from overheating. To keep you comfortable, you’ll be covered with warm blankets. Here’s what happens next:

Sedation without full sleep. You’ll be awake but relaxed, thanks to conscious sedation administered through your IV. This allows you to stay comfortable while still being able to communicate with the team.

Monitoring and prepping. You’ll be connected to heart monitors, given oxygen, and draped with sterile coverings. Staying still is important for accuracy and safety.

Local numbing keeps discomfort minimal. You may feel a pinch and a brief burn as the area is numbed, but that sensation fades quickly.

A tiny catheter does the heavy lifting. A small tube is placed in your groin or lower leg, allowing the physician to examine your arteries with contrast dye. Warmth during the dye injection is normal—and temporary.

If a blockage needs attention, your doctor may treat it during the same session using a balloon and/or a stent.

Afterward, the catheter is removed, and the puncture site is sealed with a closure device or compression band, and the wound is dressed.

Understanding Stents: What You Need to Know

Stents play a vital role in improving blood flow, yet they’re often misunderstood. Once placed, they’re permanent fixtures that stay securely in position. You won’t feel them, they won’t move, and they certainly won’t rust.

They also won’t trigger metal detectors, so travel and daily life stay uninterrupted. What is important, though, is staying consistent with your antiplatelet medication. These medications work hand-in-hand with the stent’s coating to keep blood moving smoothly, and stopping them too soon can significantly increase the risk of clotting, even if you’re feeling better.

Your Recovery Window: What Happens Afterward

Once your procedure wraps up, your recovery begins right away. Bed rest is essential during this early phase, giving the puncture site time to seal properly. Most patients stay flat for 1–4 hours, though some may need a bit longer, or even an overnight stay, depending on the treatment performed.

Throughout this observation period, your care team keeps a close watch, checking your vital signs, pulses, and procedure site to make sure everything is progressing smoothly. You may also be prescribed antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication to help prevent clotting and support the best possible long-term outcome. Before you head home, you’ll receive customized discharge instructions tailored to your procedure and your physician’s guidance.

Understanding Risks, Even the Rare Ones

Complications from endovascular procedures are uncommon, but it’s important to understand the potential risks so you can make informed decisions about your care. Possible risks include:

• Bleeding, bruising, or pain at the catheter site
• Infection
• Allergic reactions to contrast dye
• Artery damage requiring surgical repair (very rare)
• Kidney concerns related to contrast

At Southern Vascular, your safety is our top priority. Our skilled team carefully monitors for these risks before, during, and after your procedure, so you receive attentive, proactive care every step of the way.

Have Questions? We’re Here for You!

If you’re getting ready for an upcoming procedure, or even if you’re just exploring your options, the team at Southern Vascular of Panama City Beach is here to help. We take the time to answer your questions, explain your procedure in clear, understandable terms, and ensure you feel confident and comfortable before, during, and after your visit. Don’t wait to get the clarity you deserve.

At Southern Vascular, your peace of mind isn’t just important, it’s an essential part of your care. Contact the endovascular experts at Southern Vascular of Panama City Beach today!