How you prepare

Before surgery to have your aortic valve repaired or replaced, your doctor and treatment team will explain to you what to expect before, during and after the surgery and potential risks of the surgery.

Discuss with your doctor and treatment team any questions you may have about the procedure.

Before being admitted to the hospital for your surgery, talk to your caregivers about your hospital stay and discuss any help you may need when you return home.

Food and medications

Talk to your doctor about:

• When you can take your regular medications and whether you can take them before your surgery
• When you should stop eating or drinking the night before the surgery

Clothing and personal items

Your treatment team may recommend that you bring several items to the hospital including:

• A list of your medications
• Eyeglasses, hearing aids or dentures
• Personal care items, such as a brush, comb, shaving equipment and toothbrush
• Loosefitting, comfortable clothing
• A copy of your advance directive or living will
• Items that may help you relax, such as portable music players or books
• Any prescribed medical devices or equipment

During surgery, avoid wearing:

• Jewelry
• Eyeglasses
• Contact lenses
• Dentures
• Nail polish

Your body hair will be shaved off at the location where the procedure will take place.