What To Expect Before a Stent Procedure

Most stent procedures require an overnight stay in the hospital and someone to take you home. Discuss with your doctor:

• When to stop eating and drinking before coming to the hospital
• What medicines you should or shouldn't take on the day of the procedure
• When to come to the hospital and where to go

If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or other conditions, talk with your doctor about whether you need to take any extra steps during or after the procedure to avoid complications.

Before the procedure, your doctor may talk with you about medicines you'll probably need to take after the stent is placed. These medicines help prevent blood clots from forming.

It's important that you know how long you should take these medicines and why they're important. For more information on these medicines, see "What to Expect After a Stent Procedure."