Category: Pre operative care

The prevalence of aortic stenosis in individuals over 75 is approximately 12.4%, with 3.4% having a severe form that may require Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) [1.6.1]. Proper medication management is crucial, so understanding what medications should be stopped before TAVI is a key safety measure.

Many patients are advised to stop taking a variety of medications and supplements before surgery, and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a common item on this list. While known for its cardiovascular benefits, taking CoQ10 before surgery can pose significant risks to patient safety and recovery.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has established clear fasting guidelines to minimize health risks during procedures. A common but critical query from patients is, "*Can I smoke if I'm nil by mouth?*" The unambiguous medical advice is to abstain from all tobacco and nicotine products during the specified fasting period.

Every year, millions of surgical procedures rely on anesthesia, and studies show that failing to adhere to pre-operative instructions, particularly regarding fasting, can lead to life-threatening complications such as pulmonary aspiration. Understanding what not to do before anesthesia is crucial for a safe and successful outcome.