Prepare for Interventional & Neuro Interventional Procedure

Patient Safety Tips Prior to the Procedure in Radiology

  • Please let us know if you have any allergies or adverse reactions to medications.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, please tell your doctor or technologist.
  • Please leave your valuables at home or in your room in the hospital.
  • Please let us now if you need interpreting services, this can be arranged for you.
  • Please bring a list of your current medications with you (out-patient). Stop taking Aspirin or aspirin-containing products at least 2 days prior to the procedure unless specifically instructed to do so. If you are taking other blood thinning medications, contact your doctor to discuss.
  • Bring copies of x-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans (films or CD-ROMs) ) if not obtained at UCSF.
  • For outpatients, a responsible adult must accompany you home after the exam.

Preparation for the Procedure

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the exam. Medications may be taken with a small amount of water.
  • Outpatients, please arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time.
  • The technologist will verify your identification and exam requested.
  • There will be an opportunity for you to talk to the radiologist about the plan for the procedure and give your consent.
  • Inpatients will be scheduled and an escort will transport you to Radiology.

During the Procedure

  • The duration of the procedure will vary, but the average is about 1-2 hours.
  • The technologist will position you on the exam table, usually lying flat on your back. The nurse may place monitors on you to measure your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level.
  • The nurse may place an intravenous (IV) in your arm for medications. If sedation or anesthesia is planned, you will be sedated for the procedure.
  • The technologist and nurse will be available to answer any questions.

After the Procedure

  • You will be brought into the Radiology holding area or the recovery room for observation.
  • You will be monitored for redness at the site of the puncture, fever, increasing leg pain, lightheadedness.
  • If you are going home, discharge instructions will be given to you.
  • If you receive contrast during the exam:  
    Drink plenty of water for the rest of the day.
    Nursing mothers should wait for 24 hours before resuming breast feeding.
  • If you feel any symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy eyes, hives, rashes, sneezing, restlessness, tremors, pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, please notify the staff immediately.  The staff is prepared to handle these situations.  If you feel any of these symptoms after you have left the department, please contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.  If your symptoms are life threatening, call 911.