The Power of Heart Hugger
As healthcare providers, it’s important to always be on the lookout for new ways to serve our patients. The Heart Hugger has been on the market since the late 80s, and since that time it has helped many patients during recovery from thoracic surgeries. After thoracic surgery, protecting the wound and managing pain are vital to a successful recovery. The Heart Hugger helps by applying encircling pressure around the chest, compressing the sternum and providing much-needed support.
Heart Hugger was invented in the 80s after the founder of General Cardiac Technology, Glenn Williams, underwent cardiovascular bypass surgery. Post-surgery, Williams was shown pain management techniques using a pillow to splint sternotomy. But William discovered the pillow offered limited comfort and didn’t support him when he attempted to move or walk. He began to consider a new solution and eventually the Heart Hugger Sternum Support Harness was created.
Today, Heart Hugger is a vital part of the recovery process for patients who have undergone CABG, heart valve replacements, and thoracic surgery.
Why Heart Hugger
Heart Hugger is excellent for relieving patient pain, particularly when they need to cough, sneeze, or do other activities that require excess movement. The physical support helps stabilize the wound for physical pain relief instantly. But Heart Hugger provides so much more than physical support.
In addition to the physical compression that supports the sternum after surgery, there are other important benefits. Heart Hugger helps patients increase their confidence and independence during recovery. It can also help prevent further agitation or injury to the wound.
Explore the benefits of Heart Hugger
How to Use
Heart Hugger is amazing in its benefits to the patient and also its simplicity of use. After just a little quick help from a nurse or loved one to get it adjusted, the patient is ready to feel relief immediately.
Sizing and Fitting
Heart Hugger is a simple, lightweight, and comfortable way to decrease and manage pain after thoracic surgery. It’s a simplistic system that is easy to size, fit, and put on (with the help of a nurse or loved one). Heart Hugger comes in multiple sizes and has many adjustable straps so it can be set to fit a wide variety of body types and sizes. It’s important to fit and size your patient before surgery so they can comfortably put the device on immediately afterward.
How to size and fit Heart Hugger
Surgi Support Vest
Surgi Support Vest is an additional support option that works in conjunction with the Heart Hugger to offer additional relief. For patients who have undergone thoracic surgery, it’s particularly important to protect the wound from pulling and tugging, which can be painful and cause an increase in potential problems.
For people with breast tissue that requires additional support, the Surgi Support Vest is an excellent solution.
Learn more about Surgi Support Vest
To discuss sternal support options,