Pre-Procedure Instructions - Stanford Interventional Spine Center

Pre- Procedure Check List :

READ COMPLETELY, IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND PLEASE ASK BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE, FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN CANCELLATION OF YOUR PROCEDURE BECAUSE OF SAFETY ISSUES

Please DO :

Take all blood pressure pills and heart medications prior to the procedure; your procedure will be cancelled if your blood pressure or other vital signs are unstable
Have an escort to take you home; your procedure will be cancelled if you do not have an escort
Bring the most recent spine MRI’s ; we may need to cancel the procedure if adequate films are not available (this applies to only outside films not done at Stanford)
Arrive at the above stated time, if you are not checked in at the Ambulatory Surgery Center by the above time your procedure may be cancelled
Tell us if you have ANY allergies to medications, including contrast dye, iodine or iodine containing substances, latex, or steroids. You will require special preparation prior to the procedure & if not disclosed until the day of the procedure we may need to cancel or reschedule
Make sure that you are not pregnant; if there is ANY chance that you are pregnant or you are unsure – let us know BEFORE the procedure date. The X-Rays used during the procedure may harm your baby.
Before the procedure date, let us know if you have had ANY illnesses recently (last three months); including any illness which has caused fevers, chills, or any illness for which you have had to take antibiotics or was hospitalized for
Resume all heart and blood pressure medications after the procedure
Ask for an interpreter to be with you during the procedure if you require one; you must request an interpreter with Caryl BEFORE THE DATE of the procedure

Please DO NOT :

Take ANY Blood thinning medications for 5 days prior to your procedure this includes any non steroidal anti inflammatory medications motrin, ibuprofen, celebrex,vioxx, bextra, Vitamin E. , Ginko biloba.If you are not sure- call and ask BEFORE the procedure.
Take ANY Blood thinning medications containing aspirin or aspirin containing products for 7 days
If you are on coumadin- it must be held prior to the injection and you must have a normal INR prior to the injection. You must have approval from the doctor that is prescribing the coumadin before you stop taking it.
If you are on plavix (clopidogrel), lovenox, receiving heparinor ANY blood thinning medication it must be held prior to the injection, please ask us for the specific number of days to hold the medication before
Eat or drink 6 hours before the procedure . If you require heart or blood pressure medications you may take these with sips of water at least 3 hours before the above arrival time

Please call Rachael at (650)-736-2460 for procedure related questions