--- title: Heart Hugger Blog | Postoperative Care description: Postoperative Care | Learn more about how Heart Hugger can support patients undergoing heart surgery and are in need of respiratory splinting or sternal support. --- [![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 ## [Why Heart Pillows are Ineffective After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-heart-pillows-are-ineffective-after-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Jul 1, 2024 10:52:00 AM [4 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-heart-pillows-are-ineffective-after-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![heart pillow](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/heart%20pillow.jpg?width=1240&name=heart%20pillow.jpg "heart pillow") 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.   - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-heart-pillows-are-ineffective-after-heart-surgery) [Respiratory Splinting](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/respiratory-splinting) [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) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [How Hospitals Can Reduce Complications in Heart Surgery Patients](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-hospitals-can-reduce-complications-in-heart-surgery-patients) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Nov 8, 2021 11:31:00 AM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-hospitals-can-reduce-complications-in-heart-surgery-patients#comments-listing) ![surgeon and surgical team](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/surgeon%20and%20surgical%20team.jpg?width=1240&name=surgeon%20and%20surgical%20team.jpg "surgeon and surgical team") 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. The cost to hospitals can range from $13,000 to $100,000 per complication. Then add on the financial penalties that hospitals face for having excessive readmissions according to the 2010 Affordable Care Act. It’s evident that there is a great need to reduce the chances of complications following a patient’s surgery. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-hospitals-can-reduce-complications-in-heart-surgery-patients) [Respiratory Splinting](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/respiratory-splinting) [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) [sternotomy](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/sternotomy) ## [Caring for Heart Surgery Patients Goes Beyond the OR](https://blog.hearthugger.com/heart-surgery-beyond-operating-room) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Jul 28, 2021 1:44:55 PM [1 Comment](https://blog.hearthugger.com/heart-surgery-beyond-operating-room#comments-listing) ![Doctor Hands Holding Patients Hand](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Doctor%20Hands%20Holding%20Patients%20Hand.png?width=1240&name=Doctor%20Hands%20Holding%20Patients%20Hand.png "Doctor Hands Holding Patients Hand") 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. The Heart Hugger Sternum Support Harness can help your patients not only recover quicker but provide those caring for them with more confidence as well. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/heart-surgery-beyond-operating-room) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [Postoperative Care](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-care) [Caring for Patients](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/caring-for-patients) ## [A Patient's Guide to Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/patient-guide-heart-surgery-recovery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Jun 28, 2021 1:42:13 PM [2 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/patient-guide-heart-surgery-recovery#comments-listing) ![Red puzzle heart with stethoscope, heart surgery and recovery concept](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/recovery.png?width=1240&name=recovery.png "Red puzzle heart with stethoscope, heart surgery and recovery concept") 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. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/patient-guide-heart-surgery-recovery) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [Postoperative Care](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-care) [Support Device](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/support-device) ## [5 Ways to Help Your Loved One After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/helping-after-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Mar 9, 2021 8:34:04 AM [1 Comment](https://blog.hearthugger.com/helping-after-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![happy older asian father being cared for by daughter](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/family-caring.jpg?width=1240&name=family-caring.jpg "happy older asian father being cared for by daughter") 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](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/heart-surgery-recovery)period. It's important to be there for your loved one so that this time goes smoothly. Here are specific ways your loved one can use your help post-surgery.  - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/helping-after-heart-surgery) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [Sternum Stabilization](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/sternum-stabilization) [Postoperative Care](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-care) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [Why Should You Promote Cardiac Surgery Support Devices?](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-should-you-promote-cardiac-surgery-support-devices) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Jan 25, 2021 2:02:48 PM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-should-you-promote-cardiac-surgery-support-devices#comments-listing) ![patient and doctor having a conversation about recommended postoperative care devices, sternal support device, heart hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/patient-doctor-conversation.jpg?width=1240&name=patient-doctor-conversation.jpg "patient and doctor having a conversation about recommended postoperative care devices, sternal support device, heart hugger") 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. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-should-you-promote-cardiac-surgery-support-devices) [Sternum Stabilization](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/sternum-stabilization) [Postoperative Care](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-care) [Support Device](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/support-device) ## [What is the Economic Impact of Complications and Readmissions?](https://blog.hearthugger.com/what-is-the-economic-impact-of-complications-and-readmissions) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Dec 31, 2020 8:40:00 AM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/what-is-the-economic-impact-of-complications-and-readmissions#comments-listing) ![woman and doctor talking, postoperative care concept, discussing complications](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/5%20tips%20to%20prepare%20for%20heart%20surgery.jpg?width=1240&name=5%20tips%20to%20prepare%20for%20heart%20surgery.jpg "woman and doctor talking, postoperative care concept, discussing complications") 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. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/what-is-the-economic-impact-of-complications-and-readmissions) [Postoperative Care](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-care) ## [Reducing Complications and Readmissions After Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/reducing-complications-and-readmissions-after-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Nov 24, 2020 3:10:08 PM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/reducing-complications-and-readmissions-after-surgery#comments-listing) ![woman recovering from heart surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/woman%20wearing%20postoperative%20bra.jpg?width=1240&name=woman%20wearing%20postoperative%20bra.jpg "woman recovering from heart surgery") [Heart pillows](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-heart-pillows-are-ineffective-after-heart-surgery) 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](https://www.hearthugger.com/cost-calculator) 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. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/reducing-complications-and-readmissions-after-surgery) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [Postoperative Care](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-care) [Caring for Patients](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/caring-for-patients) ## [Breathing After Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/breathing-after-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Nov 26, 2019 4:30:00 AM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/breathing-after-surgery#comments-listing) ![breathing after surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/breathing%20after%20surgery.jpg?width=1240&name=breathing%20after%20surgery.jpg "breathing after surgery") 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. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/breathing-after-surgery) [Postoperative Care](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-care) ## [Why Wear a Postoperative Bra?](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-wear-a-postoperative-bra) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Nov 14, 2019 9:43:03 AM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-wear-a-postoperative-bra#comments-listing) ![close up of woman wearing support bra after surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/postoperative-bra.jpg?width=1240&name=postoperative-bra.jpg "close up of woman wearing support bra after surgery") No matter what kind of chest operation you're having, a [postoperative bra](https://blog.hearthugger.com/choosing-right-post-operative-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! - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-wear-a-postoperative-bra) [Postoperative Bra](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-bra) [Postoperative Care](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-care) [Next](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/postoperative-care/page/2) - 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/tag/postoperative-care#top)