Your health and the severity of the disease must be assessed before the procedure. You will also be given all relevant information regarding your treatment plan to ensure highest effectiveness. Your cardiologist and cardiac surgeon will explain your condition to you, the reasons for the surgery, and the risks and benefits of the procedure. There are also standard pre-operative procedures as follows:
1. Before the procedure you will undergo a thorough health screening that will include an echocardiography and a transesophageal echocardiogram to ensure the safest, most accurate, and most effective treatment.
2. If you or your family have a history of abnormal bleeding or existing bruising over your/their body, please let the doctor know.
3. Please let your medical team know about any allergies you have to medicine, food, and other substances. Please also let the team know if you had or have any implanted electronic device in your body.
4. Please stop taking certain medications for five to seven days before the procedure, such as anticoagulants, and other medication as recommended by your doctor.
5. Please fast for at least eight hours before the procedure.
6. Please stop drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes at least one week before the procedure.
7. Bring all your current medication to the hospital with you when you arrive for the procedure.