Preparing questions in advance can help individuals to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Parents may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about their child’s heart condition and balloon atrial septostomy:

1. What type of heart defect does my child have?
   
   
2. Is my child a candidate for balloon atrial septostomy?
   
   
3. At what age should the procedure be performed?
   
   
4. Where will the procedure be performed?
   
   
5. What are the risks associated with the procedure?
   
   
6. What is the recuperation from this procedure?
   
   
7. How will we know if the procedure is successful?
   
   
8. What will be done if the procedure does not correct the defect?
   
   
9. Will my child need additional surgeries any other defects?
   
   
10. What are the chances I will have another child born with a heart defect?
    
    
11. How might this procedure affect my child later in life?
    
    
12. How will my child’s heart function be monitored?