The Deep Breathing Necessity
After surgery, it is important for patients to participate in aggressive coughing and deep lung breathing maneuvers to clear the lungs of fluids and phlegm. The percussive expansion of the ribs needed for deep coughing and breathing puts a lot of stress on the sternal wound. Other activities such as getting in and out of bed, getting into cars, bowel movements, and more can also place strain on the surgical site. Patients often say they feel they are “coming apart” during these movements.
The Past Solutions
Before Heart Hugger, it was still known that reducing strain on the sternal wound was important, but tools to help were limited. Medical staff used folded sheets, towels, or pillows as makeshift splints. However, these methods provide no encircling support around the ribs and do not help when the patient is moving in and out of bed or performing other activities. This lack of support is very painful and can cause patients to be adverse to trying to move, cough, or breathe deeply which can make recovery slower and more laborious.
Pain Relief When You Need it Most
Heart Hugger helps stabilize the wound easily. Fitted to each individual patient with all different body sizes, Heart Hugger helps as the patient can grasp the handles, squeeze, and experience quick relief as the strain from the incision site is reduced. It can also increase the confidence and mobility of patients, allowing them to expedite their recovery.
To discuss sternal support options,