As you are brought into the operating room used for aortic valve replacement, you can expect the room to be slightly cold, usually 60 to 65 degrees. Blankets will be available to keep you warm. On the operating room table, you will lie on your back. In order to provide for your safety on the narrow operating table, a safety belt may be placed around you. An automatic blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm, and a pulse oximeter -- which checks oxygen levels in your blood -- will be taped to your finger.

 

From the table, you will see several heart monitors, anesthesia equipment, bright operating lights, tables of sterile instruments, the cardiac bypass machine, and other equipment. During this time, you may also hear many strange noises, such as loud, high- and low-pitched beeps. These are all normal and are no cause for concern.