--- title: Heart Hugger Blog (6) description: Learn more about how Heart Hugger can support patients undergoing heart surgery and are in need of respiratory splinting or sternal support. (6) --- [![Tribute Media](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hubfs/Heart_Hugger_April2018%20Theme/Images/logo.png)](https://www.hearthugger.com) - [Contact](https://www.hearthugger.com/contact) toll free 800.798.2667 outside the U.S.408.395.2100 [![Home](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hubfs/logo-icon.png)](https://www.hearthugger.com) - [About Heart Hugger](https://www.hearthugger.com/about-heart-hugger) - [What is Heart Hugger](https://www.hearthugger.com/what-heart-hugger) - [Why Heart Hugger](https://www.hearthugger.com/why-heart-hugger) - [How To Use](https://www.hearthugger.com/how-to-use) - [Sizing and Fitting](https://www.hearthugger.com/sizing-and-fitting) - [Surgi Support Vest](https://www.hearthugger.com/surgi-support-vest) - [For Patients](https://www.hearthugger.com/patients) - [Heart Health](https://www.hearthugger.com/heart-health) - [Preparing for Surgery](https://www.hearthugger.com/preparing-for-surgery) - [After Your Surgery](https://www.hearthugger.com/after-your-surgery) - [Complications & Solutions](https://www.hearthugger.com/complications-solutions) - [Respiratory Complications](https://www.hearthugger.com/respiratory-complications) - [Sternal Wound Complications](https://www.hearthugger.com/sternal-wound-complications) - [Sternal Wound Stability (and the Pillow)](https://www.hearthugger.com/sternal-wound-stability) - [FAQs](https://www.hearthugger.com/faqs) - [For Healthcare Professionals](https://www.hearthugger.com/healthcare-professionals) - [Studies & Resources](https://www.hearthugger.com/studies-and-resources) - [Economic Implications of Complications](https://www.hearthugger.com/economic-implications-of-complications) - [Patient Compliance & The Clinical Pathway](https://www.hearthugger.com/patient-compliance-and-the-clinical-pathway) - [Tradeshows](https://www.hearthugger.com/tradeshows) - [How to Purchase](https://www.hearthugger.com/how-to-purchase) - [Find a Rep in Your Area](https://www.hearthugger.com/request-rep-information) - [Request Sample](https://www.hearthugger.com/request-sample) - [FDA & Medicare](https://www.hearthugger.com/fda-and-medicare) - [Blog](https://www.hearthugger.com/blog) - [Buy Now](https://www.hearthugger.com/products) *menu* menu [800.798.2667](tel:+18007982667) # Heart Hugger Blog ## [Preparing for Heart Surgery: A Schedule](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-to-prepare-for-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Oct 22, 2019 7:15:22 AM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-to-prepare-for-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![pre-surgery-consultation](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pre-surgery-consultation.jpg?width=1240&name=pre-surgery-consultation.jpg "pre-surgery-consultation") Getting ready for heart surgery can be nerve-wracking--but that's completely normal. As a [patient](https://www.hearthugger.com/patients), the best thing you can do is prep, prep, prep so that you know exactly what's going to happen, what you can expect, and what's going to be expected of you. Here are a few things to keep in mind during the whole process. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-to-prepare-for-heart-surgery) [Preparing for Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/preparing-for-heart-surgery) ## [Sternal Precautions: Stay Safe After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/sternal-precautions-stay-safe-after-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Oct 8, 2019 11:27:30 AM [1 Comment](https://blog.hearthugger.com/sternal-precautions-stay-safe-after-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![heart-recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/heart-recovery.jpg?width=1240&name=heart-recovery.jpg "heart-recovery") Sternal precautions are a considerable part of the recovery and healing process after heart surgery. However, many [patients have a lot of questions](https://www.hearthugger.com/patients) about sternal precautions--and that's great. To help patients take an active role in their healing and understand what they need to do, we're explaining exactly what sternal precautions are, why they're essential, and how you can stick with them. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/sternal-precautions-stay-safe-after-heart-surgery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [What To Expect During Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/things-to-expect-during-heart-surgery-recovery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Sep 25, 2019 1:47:37 PM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/things-to-expect-during-heart-surgery-recovery#comments-listing) ![after_heart_surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/after_heart_surgery.jpg?width=1240&name=after_heart_surgery.jpg "after_heart_surgery") The period after heart surgery is important for every patient. The healing period looks different for every patient and for each surgery type, but there are a few things that you can expect during this time. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/things-to-expect-during-heart-surgery-recovery) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [Sternum Stabilization During Cardiac Rehab](https://blog.hearthugger.com/sternum-stabilization-during-cardiac-rehab) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Sep 23, 2019 9:47:00 AM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/sternum-stabilization-during-cardiac-rehab#comments-listing) ![holding heart in hands to represent cardiac rehab](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/holding%20heart.jpg?width=1240&name=holding%20heart.jpg "holding heart in hands to represent cardiac rehab") Whether by devouring a book with a passionate eye for plot, rushing out of a movie theater to write a review for some lackluster storyline, or simply enjoying a favorite family narrative, we have all found it to be true: every tale has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Of course, books and movies aren't the only things to experience this uniformity--we see the same pattern in life. One such example lies in undertaking the journey that is heart surgery. Heart patients endure the beginning of the tale, the surgery itself, and then the middle, the healing process, and finally, the end--the recovery. Today, like any good writer, medical science has started to focus on that middle section, finding ways to minimize complications so that the story itself is smoother--and sternum stabilization is just one revolutionary answer. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/sternum-stabilization-during-cardiac-rehab) [Sternum Stabilization](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/sternum-stabilization) ## [What to Expect on the Day of Open Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/what-to-expect-on-the-day-of-open-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Aug 29, 2019 5:40:10 PM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/what-to-expect-on-the-day-of-open-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![patient waiting for open heart surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/patient%20waiting%20for%20open%20heart%20surgery.jpg?width=1240&name=patient%20waiting%20for%20open%20heart%20surgery.jpg "patient waiting for open heart surgery") There usually tends to be a lot of anxiety around the idea of open heart surgery, and typically that is because patients such as yourself aren't sure of what to expect. We wanted to put your nerves at rest as much as we can, so we're going to ease your mind by giving you a glimpse of what your day could look like when you go in for open heart surgery. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/what-to-expect-on-the-day-of-open-heart-surgery) [Preparing for Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/preparing-for-heart-surgery) ## [How to Comfort Someone Before Their Open Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-to-comfort-someone-before-their-open-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Aug 25, 2019 9:28:00 AM [3 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-to-comfort-someone-before-their-open-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![caring for heart surgery patient](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/care%20for%20patient.jpg?width=1240&name=care%20for%20patient.jpg "caring for heart surgery patient") Open heart surgery is a [major medical procedure](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/21502-open-heart-surgery) that can be intimidating for patients and their loved ones alike. Whether it's a coronary artery bypass, valve repair or replacement, or another cardiac procedure, the prospect of open heart surgery often brings a mix of hope and anxiety. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-to-comfort-someone-before-their-open-heart-surgery) [Caring for Patients](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/caring-for-patients) ## [Effects On The Sternum After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/effects-on-the-sternum-after-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Aug 7, 2019 2:51:00 PM [1 Comment](https://blog.hearthugger.com/effects-on-the-sternum-after-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![old man walking](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/old_man_walking.jpg?width=1240&name=old_man_walking.jpg "old man walking") There are a lot of components to consider when it comes to healing after open heart surgery, but one of the most important components is the treatment of the sternum. In truth, the sternum is actually a broken bone at the beginning of the healing process. But is it treated as such? Are there extra considerations? Here's a closer look. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/effects-on-the-sternum-after-heart-surgery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [Symptoms and Causes of Coronary Artery Disease](https://blog.hearthugger.com/symptoms-and-causes-of-coronary-artery-disease) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Jun 20, 2019 7:13:12 AM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/symptoms-and-causes-of-coronary-artery-disease#comments-listing) ![artery with plaque](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/artery%20with%20plaque.jpg?width=1240&name=artery%20with%20plaque.jpg "artery with plaque") Everyone goes through cycles of health, but certain symptoms point to larger problems. If you recently discovered that you or a loved one is at risk of having or has coronary artery disease, you likely walked out of the doctor’s office with a lot of mixed feelings and confusion. What is coronary artery disease? How could it affect you or your loved one going forward? What needs to change in your life or the life of your loved one to minimize the risks? - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/symptoms-and-causes-of-coronary-artery-disease) [Heart Health](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-health) ## [Post-Heart Surgery Infections & Hospital Implications](https://blog.hearthugger.com/negative-effects-of-heart-surgery-complications-on-hospitals) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on May 28, 2019 12:06:51 PM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/negative-effects-of-heart-surgery-complications-on-hospitals#comments-listing) ![frustrated hospital administrator](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/frustrated%20hospital%20administrator.jpg?width=1240&name=frustrated%20hospital%20administrator.jpg "frustrated hospital administrator") 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. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/negative-effects-of-heart-surgery-complications-on-hospitals) [Sternum Stabilization](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/sternum-stabilization) [Sternal Dehiscence](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/sternal-dehiscence) [Postoperative Care](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-care) [Caring for Patients](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/caring-for-patients) ## [How to Provide Great Care for Your Patients](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-to-provide-great-care-for-your-patients) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on May 21, 2019 10:02:11 AM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-to-provide-great-care-for-your-patients#comments-listing) ![medical team with patient at a hospital](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/medical%20team%20with%20patient%20at%20a%20hospital.jpg?width=1240&name=medical%20team%20with%20patient%20at%20a%20hospital.jpg "medical team with patient at a hospital") The care that you provide to patients goes a long way toward their recovery. Healing isn't just a physical tasks: it's also one that is guided by our emotions and stress levels. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-to-provide-great-care-for-your-patients) [Caring for Patients](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/caring-for-patients) [Prev](https://blog.hearthugger.com/page/5) [Next](https://blog.hearthugger.com/page/7) - Recent - Popular - Tags - [Heart Surgery Recovery (22)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/heart-surgery-recovery) - [After Heart Surgery (16)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/after-heart-surgery) - [Postoperative Care (15)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/postoperative-care) - [Heart Health (12)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/heart-health) - [Sternum Stabilization (9)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/sternum-stabilization) - [Caring for Patients (8)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/caring-for-patients) - [cardiac rehab (7)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/cardiac-rehab) - [Sternal Dehiscence (6)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/sternal-dehiscence) - [Preparing for Heart Surgery (5)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/preparing-for-heart-surgery) - [Respiratory Splinting (4)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/respiratory-splinting) - [Postoperative Bra (3)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/postoperative-bra) - [sternotomy (3)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/sternotomy) - [Heart Healthy Diet (2)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/heart-healthy-diet) - [Managing Pain After Heart Surgery (2)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/managing-pain-after-heart-surgery) - [Support Device (2)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/support-device) - [Hospital Safety (1)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/hospital-safety) - [Patient Safety (1)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/patient-safety) see all ©2018  General Cardiac Technology, Inc. 6489 Camden Ave Suite 106 San Jose CA 95120 800.798.2667 Phone 408.395.2100 (outside the U.S) Fax: 408.395.2113 powered by Tribute Media [a web marketing agency](https://www.tributemedia.com) | [login](https://www.hearthugger.com/user) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/hearthugger) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Heart_Hugger) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/heart-hugger) [Top](https://blog.hearthugger.com/page/6#top)