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Questions to Ask Your Surgeon.

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How many of this specific procedure have you performed in the last year?What is your personal complication rate for this procedure compared to national benchmarks?How many years have you been performing this type of surgery?Do you participate in the STS National Database? What are your outcomes?What fellowship training did you complete, and where?Are you a specialist in this particular operation, or is it one of many you perform?

Why are you recommending this particular approach over alternatives?What is the expected operative time?Will I need cardiopulmonary bypass (heart-lung machine), and for how long?Is there a minimally invasive option for my case? Why or why not?What type of valve/graft material do you recommend, and why?Will any concomitant (additional) procedures be performed?

What is my predicted risk of mortality (STS PROM score)?What is my risk of stroke with this procedure?What is my risk of kidney complications or need for dialysis?What is my risk of prolonged ventilation or extended ICU stay?Are there patient-specific factors that raise my risk above average?What is the risk of wound infection or sternal complications?

What happens if I choose not to have surgery at this time?Is there a less invasive option (catheter-based, medical therapy)?Would a Heart Team conference benefit my case?Should I get a second opinion before proceeding?Are there newer techniques or clinical trials I should consider?What is the difference in long-term outcomes between the options?

What is this hospital's STS star rating for this procedure?How many of these procedures does this hospital perform annually?Is there 24/7 cardiac surgical coverage in the ICU?What is the nurse-to-patient ratio in the cardiac ICU?Does this hospital have hybrid OR capabilities?What is the hospital's infection rate for cardiac surgery?

What is the expected hospital length of stay?When can I return to work? What type of work restrictions?When can I resume driving, exercise, and sexual activity?What cardiac rehabilitation program do you recommend?What medications will I need long-term after surgery?What follow-up imaging or monitoring will be required?What lifestyle changes should I make before and after surgery?

What is the plan if unexpected findings are discovered during surgery?What emergency backup systems are in place?Who will perform the surgery if you are unavailable on the day?What is the protocol if complications arise post-operatively?Is there a cardiovascular surgeon available 24/7 at this hospital?

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Questions to Ask Your Surgeon.

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