What to Expect: Your Heart Procedure at Minneapolis Heart Institute

• Your procedure is scheduled for a specific day but we are unable to give an exact time for the actual procedure due to the unpredictability of other cases and/or possible emergencies that may arise and take priority on the schedule. Bring a book or something to occupy your time during the wait, and please plan on spending approximately ten to 14 hours at the hospital.
  
  
• There is a waiting room for family members to utilize during the procedure. Before and after the procedure your family can remain with you. If your family members are unable to accompany you the day of your procedure, they may call the CV Outpatient area for updates on your status (i.e. Has your procedure begun/finished, etc.) at (612) 863-4896.
  
  
• Cellular phones are prohibited in the Cardiovascular Outpatient Unit as they interfere with electronic equipment we use in patient care.
  
  
• As a nationally renowned cardiovascular center, conducting research studies is vital to our mission at Minneapolis Heart Institute/Abbott Northwestern Hospital to perfect new therapies/techniques important to your care. You may be approached by one of our research staff to ask your permission to enter one of our research studies.
   
  
• Overnight accommodations are available at the Wasie Accommodations Center, which is connected to Abbott Northwestern Hospital. The toll free number for reservations and information is (800) 535-3103.
  
  
• Please be advised: the cardiologist who performs the actual heart procedure may not be the cardiologist who will be caring for you during your stay.
  
  
• The length of your procedure will vary depending on what the cardiologist determines is needed at that time.
  
  
• Results of your procedure are usually not available until late afternoon. Please inform family members who are awaiting results that it is likely to be 5:00-7:00 p.m. before you and your cardiologist have discussed the results and treatment plan.
  
  
• You may be discharged the same day and will therefore need someone to drive you home. You will be unable to drive for 24-48 hours after discharge. Your cardiologist will determine the discharge time after your procedure.
  
  
• Upon discharge, you will receive instructions concerning diet, medication, activity level, return to work, and follow-up appointments.
  
  
• Please leave your valuable personal items at home (jewelry, etc.). You may give your family member/friend your wallet or purse for safekeeping. The hospital is not responsible for lost valuables.

We want your stay with us to be as comfortable as possible. Please feel free to call us at (612) 863-3900 or (800) 582-5175 if you have any questions or concerns.