All patients require a history and physical completed by a physician. Patients 12 years old and older must have some blood work done. Usually younger patients don’t require blood work. We will review this and other important medical issues when we schedule the surgery. See similar questions...

Certain basic blood tests are done prior to surgery; complete blood count, electrolytes, thyroid hormone levels, phosphorus, albumin, liver enzymes, cholesterol, uric acid, magnesium, lipid profile, PT/PTT, HgbA1c as well as referrals to other specialists (Endocrinology, Cardiology, Psychiatry, Pulmonary) as indicated. See similar questions...

This will vary from doctor to doctor. Some insurance companies also require specific tests. These may include an upper GI, endoscopy, gall bladder ultrasound, blood tests, and x-rays. Sometimes a psychiatric evaluation is done. This is to ensure that patients understand what this surgery will or won't do for them, and they will be able to commit to the major lifestyle change. See similar questions...

A - We may stimulate the electrodes with tiny electrical currents in order to map out important areas of function in your brain such as speech and motor areas. This is done by the doctor in your room. You will be asked to read and do certain tasks to help define these areas. See similar questions...

Applicants for certification must pass the Liberal Arts and Science Test (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching-Skills-Written (ATS-W) and Content Specialty Test (CST). See similar questions...

Intraocular lenses (lOLs) are now available and can be placed in the lens capsule inside the eye after removal of the cataract. The purpose is to provide for focusing of images on the retina like the patient had prior to development of the cataracts. lOLs are thus a very good option, but they are not mandatory. Before lOLs were perfected for dogs, the vast majority of our cataract patients functioned well without additional correction. See similar questions...

A week or two before surgery, your ophthalmologist will measure the curvature of the cornea and the size and shape of the eye. For patients who will receive an IOL, this information helps your doctor to choose the right type of IOL. See similar questions...

echocardiogram is essential for all patients prior to a Maze procedure. The echocardiogram is an ultrasound study of the heart that helps physicians to evaluate the structure and the function of the heart and the valves. In addition, all patients over the age of 40 will need to have a cardiac catheterization to assess the coronary arteries for evidence of blockage. See similar questions...

A complete ultrasound is required. This state-of-the-art technology provides painless and non-invasive testing, and is performed in the physician's office. See similar questions...

Three SAT II Subject Tests are highly recommended. It is recommended that you take one Math (of your choice), one Science (of your choice), and then a third of your choice. See similar questions...