While you probably have a lot of questions concerning a surgery that you are undertaking, also understand that there are many solutions to any complications that may arise. It is obvious that different surgeries will have different forms of complications, and cardiac surgery is no different. Some of the more common complications that may arise from heart surgery have to do with the sternal wound and the healing process.
While postoperative cardiac rehabilitation can certainly be a long road, and pain management plays a very important role in recovery, there are things that can be done that will reduce the chance of complications. One of these is wearing a postoperative sternal support system like the Heart Hugger. Sternal wound dehiscence is something that can happen to anyone recovering from open-heart surgery and should be avoided if possible. The Heart Hugger is designed to support the wound in such a way that it makes it more difficult for this to happen.
Other solutions to some complications include:
- Be Proactive- One of the best ways to prevent complications is to be proactive with any complication that may arise. There are some groups of people that may be at a higher risk than others, including barrel-chested men and women with large breasts. But this doesn’t mean that they too cannot benefit from the added support that the Heart Hugger can provide. Keeping your wound supported is an important part of recovery.
- Avoiding Sternal Wound Complications- Aside from respiratory complications, sternal wound complications are one of the more common side effects of cardiac surgery. This can include dehiscence or infection, which both can very serious. Your healthcare provider will be best able to tell you ways to prevent this type of complication, however, be aware that sternal support can be integral in making sure your wound stays supported through the healing process.
- Listening to Caregivers- The best advice we can give is to listen to your doctors and healthcare providers. They are the experts in this area and will give solid advice when it comes to recovery. Many healthcare providers will recommend the Heart Hugger to their patients who are recovering from cardiac surgery due to the many benefits it provides.
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