What should an international patient prepare before traveling?

Obtain a valid medical visa (S2 or M visa) and bring all prior medical records, including echocardiograms, ECG reports, and a referral from your home cardiologist. Arrange for a professional medical interpreter if needed—many top Chinese hospitals offer interpreter services for an additional fee. Also, plan for at least 2–3 weeks in China for pre-operative evaluation, treatment, and initial recovery, and confirm follow-up arrangements with your home doctor before departure.