How big is the defect, and what type is it?

Size in millimetres and the type both change what treatment is even possible.

Has the right side of my heart started to enlarge?

This is one of the main reasons closure gets recommended rather than watching.

Am I a candidate for device closure, or only open surgery?

If the answer is no, ask specifically why — usually it's the rims, the type, or the size.

What happens if I wait a year?

A good answer is specific about risk. A vague one tells you something too.

How many of these do you do a year?

Volume matters in cardiac surgery. It is a fair question and good surgeons expect it.

What does recovery look like, week by week?

You need this to plan work, family and money — not just to know the risks.