Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to minimally invasive heart valve surgery:

1. Do you think that I am a good candidate for minimally invasive heart valve surgery?
   
   
2. What sort of risks will I be exposed to during minimally invasive heart valve surgery?
   
   
3. What, specifically, will you be trying to correct with the surgery?
   
   
4. Why do you recommend minimally invasive heart valve surgery over open-heart surgery?
   
   
5. Will I need to prepare for the surgery in any special way? Will I need to quit smoking?
   
   
6. Am I currently taking any medications that might interfere with the success of the surgery?
   
   
7. How long do you expect my recovery to take? Will I have to stay in the hospital?
   
   
8. Are there any activities that I should not engage in prior to the surgery, such as sports or sex? Will I be able to engage in these activities following a successful procedure?
   
   
9. Will I need any additional therapy or surgery following this procedure?
   
   
10. Is it safe to undergo minimally invasive heart valve surgery if I am pregnant? Could this type of procedure impact my ability to have children in the future?