In light of recent trials evaluating NPO before cath (CHOW NOW, SCOFF, etc.) are centers still restricting oral intake pre-procedure?

Despite compelling growing evidence supporting that NPO is safe for diagnostic procedures (coronary angiogram, RHC), most institutions are still reluctant to change, likely related to:

• Medical inertia
• Nursing staff hesitation
• Upper management
• Medical liability
• M&M related concerns
• Lack of guideline...

Aspiration PNA from vomiting has, along with hypotension from gut redistribution of circulating blood volume, in those non-fasting, traditionally been the concern. More recent data, both single and multicenter data, ‘scoff’ at this presumption, especially in the transradial era.

I remain cautious an...

Our institution has moved in this direction, slowly initially, but more quickly spurred by the recent IV fluid shortage. We can get by with much less IV fluid if we don't restrict the patient to 8 or more hours NPO and patient satisfaction is higher. We have been more successful with outpatient proc...

Medical inertia mostly on physician's part.