Tested and Approved Effectiveness
Heart Hugger has been on the market for a couple of decades now, and in that time it has proven itself to be an invaluable tool for patients recovering from thoracic surgeries. By reducing the chances of infection and increasing comfort for the user, patients are able to recover from surgery more quickly and with fewer complications. Ultimately, this saves both the patient and the hospital time and money.
Heart Hugger Reduces Sternal Dehiscence and Infections
An article on corehealth.com discussed the findings of studies about the benefits of using a sternal support system after cardiac surgeries. They discussed some of the factors causing the complications that are common in patients, with the major factor being noncompliance with the prescribed postoperative care including deep breathing and coughing. Patients often attribute the discomfort to this noncompliance. Introducing the Heart Hugger showed impressive results, dropping the number of patients readmitted with wound infections and decreasing the severity of the complications.
Hear it From the Patients
Studies and surveys have also collected data to analyze how patients feel about the Heart Hugger. In a study of 69 patients in 2002-2003, patients rated Heart Hugger highly for pain relief. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being disagree and 10 being completely agreeing, patients rated Heart Hugger a 9 for the statements:
“During my stay in the hospital. Heart Hugger gave me pain relief during coughing”
“During my stay in the hospital, Heart Hugger gave me good support during coughing.”
These results show that Heart Hugger is a very useful tool for both patients and doctors for reducing the complications associated with thoracic surgery.
Heart Hugger Sternum Support Harness for the Treatment of Sternotomy Pain and the Prevention of Sternal Instability, Peg Meisler, PT, and Sternal Wound Infection, Susan O’Brien Norris, MS, RN, CCRN
Heart Hugger and Medicare 2009 Reimbursement Changes
Heart Hugger Reduces Sternal Dehiscence and Infections
Heart Hugger Sternum Support Harness for the Treatment of Sternotomy Pain and the Prevention of Sternal Instability, Peg Meisler, PT
Pain Relief & Usage of Heart Hugger at Home, Dr. Hamerlijnck, Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon, Maria Middlelaresse, Belgium
Sternal Wound Infection, Susan O’Brien Norris, MS, RN, CCRN
To discuss sternal support options,