Questions to Ask Before Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
Critical questions to understand your surgical options, prepare for aortic valve replacement, and make informed decisions about this major cardiac procedure.
1What are my options: mechanical valve, tissue valve, or minimally invasive procedure?
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What are my options: mechanical valve, tissue valve, or minimally invasive procedure?
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Why this works
Reveals treatment alternatives, pros and cons of each, and helps you understand decision factors.
2What is your experience performing this specific type of valve replacement?
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What is your experience performing this specific type of valve replacement?
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Why this works
Shows surgeon expertise, volume of procedures, and success rates with your particular situation.
3What are the risks and potential complications of this surgery?
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What are the risks and potential complications of this surgery?
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Why this works
Provides realistic expectations about danger, side effects, and what could go wrong.
4How long will the recovery process take, and what will it involve?
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How long will the recovery process take, and what will it involve?
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Why this works
Indicates timeline, rehabilitation needs, and when you can return to normal activities.
5What is your success rate with this procedure?
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What is your success rate with this procedure?
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Why this works
Shows outcome statistics, mortality rates, and how their results compare to national averages.
6Will I need to take blood thinners after surgery, and for how long?
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Will I need to take blood thinners after surgery, and for how long?
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Why this works
Reveals long-term medication requirements, lifestyle changes, and ongoing management needs.
7How long does each type of replacement valve typically last?
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How long does each type of replacement valve typically last?
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Why this works
Indicates durability expectations and whether you might need future replacement procedures.
8What symptoms should I watch for after surgery that would require immediate attention?
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What symptoms should I watch for after surgery that would require immediate attention?
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Why this works
Provides warning signs, emergency indicators, and when to seek urgent medical help.
9What lifestyle changes will I need to make after this surgery?
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What lifestyle changes will I need to make after this surgery?
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Why this works
Shows impact on daily life, activity restrictions, and permanent modifications needed.
10How will this surgery affect my quality of life compared to my current condition?
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How will this surgery affect my quality of life compared to my current condition?
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Why this works
Helps weigh benefits versus risks and understand expected improvement in symptoms.
11What pre-operative tests or preparations do I need?
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What pre-operative tests or preparations do I need?
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Why this works
Indicates required evaluations, timeline before surgery, and preparation steps.
12What happens if I choose not to have the surgery?
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What happens if I choose not to have the surgery?
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Why this works
Reveals urgency, natural progression of disease, and consequences of delaying or avoiding surgery.
13How long will I be in the hospital, and what does post-operative care involve?
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How long will I be in the hospital, and what does post-operative care involve?
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Why this works
Provides expectations for hospital stay, ICU time, and immediate post-surgery experience.
14What type of anesthesia will be used, and what are the risks?
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What type of anesthesia will be used, and what are the risks?
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Why this works
Shows anesthesia approach, potential complications, and what to expect during surgery.
15Will I need cardiac rehabilitation, and what does that entail?
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Will I need cardiac rehabilitation, and what does that entail?
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Why this works
Indicates structured recovery program, exercise protocols, and long-term recovery support.
16How will this surgery affect my ability to travel or fly in the future?
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How will this surgery affect my ability to travel or fly in the future?
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Why this works
Reveals lifestyle impact, travel restrictions, and practical considerations for post-surgery life.
17What is the plan if complications arise during surgery?
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What is the plan if complications arise during surgery?
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Why this works
Shows contingency planning, team preparedness, and how unexpected situations are handled.
18Can you explain what the surgery will involve step-by-step?
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Can you explain what the surgery will involve step-by-step?
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Why this works
Provides detailed understanding of procedure, reducing anxiety through knowledge.
19How soon after surgery can I expect relief from my current symptoms?
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How soon after surgery can I expect relief from my current symptoms?
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Why this works
Sets realistic expectations for symptom improvement timeline and recovery trajectory.
20What questions should I ask that I haven't thought of?
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What questions should I ask that I haven't thought of?
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Why this works
Opens door for surgeon to share important information you might have missed.
How to Use These Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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