Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their treatment options. The following questions related to the heart-lung machine may be helpful:

1. Will a heart-lung machine be used during my surgery?
   
   
2. How common is the use of a heart-lung machine with my type of surgery?
   
   
3. What are my risks with the heart-lung machine?
   
   
4. How long will I be on the heart-lung machine?
   
   
5. What will happen if my heart does not function when they remove me from the bypass machine?
   
   
6. What specialists will be used during my surgery?
   
   
7. Are there any other alternatives available to me?
   
   
8. Will by recovery be any more or less difficult if a heart-lung machine is used?
   
   
9. Do I need any special preparations for surgery using a heart-lung machine?
   
   
10. Will I need to change my medications prior to my surgery?
    
    
11. How long will it take me to recover from the surgery?
    
    
12. Could a heart-lung machine affect my pregnancy in any way?