Heart Health

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.

BEYOND PHYSICAL SUPPORT

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.

GETTING THEIR FEET BACK UNDER THEM

After surgery, patient`s lungs need to expand and expel the excess vapor that collected in the lungs while they were being ventilated. That’s why respiratory therapy and coughing are so important to patient recovery. However, coughing and breathing deeply after such a major surgery can be very painful and potentially harmful to the new wound.

The Locus of Control Theory supports the idea that when patients are involved in their own recovery, their healing is enhanced as they feel an increased level of control, confidence, and independence. By putting part of the pain control process in their hands--literally-- patients are more focused and more comfortable.

DECREASING FUTURE COMPLICATIONS

After a major chest surgery, Heart Hugger helps defend against a multitude of potential complications. Heart Hugger aims to help return the patient to pre-op respiratory levels and stabilize the wound. Meeting these goals helps avoid wound complications including:

• Dehiscence
• Mediastinitis
• Atelectasis
• Pneumonia

AMAZING RESULTS AT THE TIPS OF THEIR FINGERS

Not only are the results of Heart Hugger incredibly important, but the device itself is simple to use. A nurse or loved one can easily help the patient adjust the straps so it’s comfortable, and a simple squeeze of the hand is all it takes to engage Heart Hugger and reduce pain. Heart Hugger is worn over clothing and made of soft straps for comfort and easy adjustment.

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.

THE SET-UP PROCESS

Getting the Heart Hugger on and ready to use is simple. Most patients will need the assistance of a nurse or loved one to assist, but putting it on is easy and quick. It’s best to try on and adjust the Heart Hugger before the operation so it’s ready to go right after surgery. Details on how to correctly size and fit Heart Hugger can be found on our sizing and fitting page. Similar to a vest or backpack, you put the Heart Hugger on one arm at a time. Here are the quick steps for helping a patient get situated in a Heart Hugger:

1. Detach the shoulder strap from the handle on one side and slide the handle under the patient’s arm. Bring the shoulder strap over the shoulder and reattach it. Repeat this process on the other arm.
2. Adjust the straps around the chest as needed so the handles are one hand-width apart for the patient so they can easily grasp them together single-handedly.
3. Adjust the straps over the shoulders so the fit is comfortable and the handles rest on the patient mid-chest.
4. Fasten the velcro retention strap to keep the handles in place.

WHEN TO USE THE HEART HUGGER

Once the patient is situated, they can use the Heart Hugger whenever they cough, sneeze or make movements that are strenuous or uncomfortable. The encircling support provides relief when moving or breathing deeply.