Postoperative Care

When you think about what makes you you, what is it that first comes to mind? Is it your physical features, like the specific shade of your eyes that you've never seen mimicked anywhere else? Is it a special skill? Is it some complex combination of the books you've read, the songs you've heard, the people you've met, and the things you've done? Whatever comes to mind when you think about yourself as an individual, it's likely not the simple yet incredibly important act of breathing.

Breathing is an important part of every life, yet it is often overlooked as an automatic and unnoticed detail--but after surgery, that can all change.

No matter what kind of chest operation you're having, a postoperative bra can help make the healing process easier, faster, and more comfortable. Read on to find out precisely what this simple but powerful garment can do for you!

What is a Postoperative Bra?

A postoperative bra is a unique combination of "garment" and "device." Just like the name suggests, it's something you wear after a chest operation. However, thanks to specialized shaping, unique support mechanisms, and ample locations for surgical drain tubes, these postoperative bras are more than just a tool. They're quickly becoming an indispensable part of the healing process, and a favorite among both doctors and patients.

The patients who undergo heart surgery are susceptible to a host of complications that can set in during their stay in the hospital. When any of these happen, it can cause enormous problems for the hospital. To keep that from happening, there are a few steps you can take for patients and hospital safety.

Preventing Patient Infections

One of the most-feared complications after heart surgery is an infection setting in. The degree of seriousness can vary greatly, ranging from a small infection that causes discomfort to massive infection that puts the patient's life in danger.

In 1984 when Mr. Glenn Williams was recuperating from cardiovascular bypass surgery, he discovered that the lack of sternum support while recovering caused needless pain while lengthening his time of recovery. Desiring to spare others from a similar experience, he went on to invent the HeartHugger™ Sternum Support harness.

Today, HeartHugger™ is part of the recovery process for CABG, Heart Valve replacement, and Thoracic surgery patients in more than 220 U.S. Hospitals and over 340 heart programs worldwide.

Patient Control

When patients are actively involved in their own medical care, they develop confidence and independence, which enhances their recovery. The sternum support harness offers patients full-time pain management at their fingertips.

Sternotomy and Thoracotomy patients generally have two goals during recovery.

Heart surgery recovery is not something that happens overnight. It's a process--which means that there are many things your patients need to do (and some things they're not supposed to do). Since all of that information can get a little overwhelming, we've compiled a few quick tips to help your patients remember how to keep their recovery on track.

Safe and Comfortable Recovery

Heart surgery recovery requires much communication--and all the information you give to your patients is going to be crucial information. However, while it's important to explain all the details at first, it can sometimes be helpful to provide patients with "quick tips" later on--essentially, some well-organized and straightforward reminders to help them recall the rest of your instructions. (For example, you might provide a quick review on how to use a wound stability harness.)

One of the most important goals of patients and healthcare providers after surgery is avoiding postoperative complications. After heart surgery, this goal is especially critical given the nature of the operation and recovery and because up to half of patients have a high risk of complications.

Postoperative complications can be costly, so patients and surgeons alike look for any and all tools to prevent them. One device that is non-invasive and proven to be effective is sternum support harnesses such as Heart Hugger.

Here’s a look at a few of the key ways Heart Hugger reduces complications.

Undergoing heart surgery creates a host of emotions. The best way to minimize nervousness is to prepare. Recovery is six to eight weeks long, and steps you take before and after will result in a successful recovery.

Preparing for Heart Surgery

• Coordinate Support: Compile a list of individuals who are willing to help you, including two primary people who will take care of the bulk of your needs. Have them monitor the number of visitors who come to see you.

• Prepare Your Body: Retaining a regular exercise schedule and booking massage therapy will aid in preparation for surgery as well as improve recovery time.

• Set Up an Area of Comfort: Post-surgery you will be unable to lie in bed, so establish a recliner or other comfortable furniture before surgery.

With medical technology, these days, these procedures can be considered somewhat “minor”; however, recovery time is not overnight. So proper preparation is key to a successful recovery. 

There are so many facts surrounding cardiac rehabilitation and the use of sternum support that, sometimes, all the details start to blur together. It's important to take a moment to look at some of the fascinating facts behind this unique relationship; after all, sternum support is a huge part of the journey that is recovering from heart surgery.

In 1984 when Mr. Glenn Williams was recuperating from cardiovascular bypass surgery, he discovered that the lack of sternum support while recovering caused needless pain while lengthening his time of recovery. Desiring to spare others from a similar experience, he went on to invent the HeartHugger™ Sternum Support harness.

Today, HeartHugger™ is part of the recovery process for CABG, Heart Valve replacement, and Thoracic surgery patients in more than 220 U.S. Hospitals and over 340 heart programs worldwide.

Patient Control

When patients are actively involved in their own medical care, they develop confidence and independence, which enhances their recovery. The sternum support harness offers patients full-time pain management at their fingertips.

Sternotomy and Thoracotomy patients generally have two goals during recovery.