Postoperative Care

After a major chest surgery, particularly those involving the sternum, recovery can be a long and challenging process. Whether it’s a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure, heart valve surgery, or even a rib fracture, the body needs significant time and care to heal properly. One of the most critical aspects of recovery following these types of surgeries is ensuring that the chest and sternum remain stable and protected, particularly during movement or physical exertion. This is where Heart Hugger's Sternum Support Vest becomes a valuable tool for post-surgical recovery.

When a loved one has had heart surgery, it can be a frightening time for both the patient and for you. There are a lot of things that your loved one will simply not be able to do for a while. There are also many types of support your loved one will need to get through the heart surgery recovery period. It's important to be there for your loved one so that this time goes smoothly.

If you're researching information related to heart surgery and recovery, you've likely come across mentions of heart pillows (also known as chest or cough pillows). For years, these pillows have been standard issue in many hospitals for patients recovering from heart surgery or sternotomies. The traditional thinking was that heart pillows could provide comfort and support when patients needed to cough, sneeze, or manage pain.

Complications after heart surgery aren't just bad news for patients—they also impact hospitals. Wound complications in a patient can be devastating financially for hospitals, especially when handling Medicare and co-morbid patients.

As a healthcare professional, you know that postoperative care after heart surgery is one of the most important factors driving the success and time it takes for your patients to recover

There’s perhaps nothing more concerning than the prospect of heart surgery, and the recovery period afterward. But having the right information can ease your mind, and speed your recovery.

The number of heart-related surgeries has increased in recent years.  However, the recovery time and risk of potential postoperative complications remain the same. Healthcare professionals are increasingly turning to sternum support devices to reduce some of the risks of complications. This relatively simple device helps patients to recover quicker and experience fewer issues.

Widely utilized for cardiac patients, heart pillows are a tool that is commonly used. Although they may be comforting for cardiac patients, there is no concrete evidence proving that the device helps them heal. Operating almost like a placebo, these devices cost hospitals an awful lot of money to give to cardiac patients.

Heart pillows are a common tool widely used for cardiac patients. They can be comforting, but there is no evidence that they actually help cardiac patients to heal. They also cost hospitals a lot of money for something that is a placebo. As a matter of fact, these pillows can lead to infections when they are taken to different places and exposed to a lot of surfaces. They also can't act as any constant support, as the patient has to hold one in place.

If you’re looking at information related to heart surgery and recovery, chances are you’ve heard about heart pillows (also known as chest or cough pillows). These are commonly handed out to heart surgery patients, but it’s not often discussed whether these are actually helpful for recovery.

Heart pillows are meant to give patients something to hold to their chest when they need to cough or sneeze or to try and help alleviate some pain.

So the question is: are heart pillows truly a good addition to surgery recovery plans?