If you have recently received or are about to receive a stent implanted in your coronary artery, please read and follow the following precautions.
1. Do not stop Plavix (Clopidogrel) or Ticlid (Ticlopidine) for any reason. If you received a Bare metal stent, you must continue one of these two important anti-platelet medications for at least 4 weeks after stent implantation. You cannot receive any elective surgery for at least 6 weeks of continuous daily Plavix or Ticlid.

2. If you received a Drug Eluting stent, no elective surgery can be recommended for at least one year. In fact, Plavix or Ticlopidine cannot be stopped even for one day and must be continued for at least one year.

3. Use Antibiotics prior to dental or any endoscopic procedures for the first 3 months after stent implantation.

4. Avoid MRI for 8 weeks after stent implantation.

5. If you have any chest discomfort that does not resolve after sublingual Nitroglycerin used three times in a row, call 911 and have the Emergency Room MD contact your Cardiologist. When you take the Nitroglycerin, make sure you wait at least five minutes between doses. Taking too much Nitroglycerin can cause your blood pressure to drop and then you could pass out.

6. Keep a wallet-sized card which contains all the necessary information regarding your stent:

– Name and size of stent.

– Type of stent (Bare metal or Drug eluting)

– Location of stent(s) in the coronary vessel.

– Name of implanting Cardiologist.

– Phone number of implanting Cardiologist.

– Date of stent implantation.

Typically, the stent manufacturer provides such cards for your use after the stent is implanted. If you did not receive this card at the time of implantation, call your Cardiologist: he or his staff will make sure you receive this valuable information. Make sure you keep this card in your wallet or purse at all times.