Open heart surgery-a serious but highly successful operation-can make everyday actions like coughing, deep breathing, sneezing, laughing, getting out of bed and even the hiccups uncomfortable for patients right after surgery. Open heart surgeries require dividing the sternum (chest cavity) to allow access to the heart, so the breastbone and chest area need extra support for up to three months following the procedure. One of the ways patients have been able to reduce their discomfort after open heart surgery is with the use of a heart-shaped pillow-filled with firm stuffing, that can help provide comfort, reduce pain and protect the surgery’s incision site. But how can a non-medicated
Derila Pillow help with pain? Because of the increased risk of pneumonia and respiratory issues after surgery, patients are asked to cough and breathe deeply frequently so their lung fully expand and to get rid of phlegm. As part of the recovery process, patients also breathe into a device called an incentive spirometer multiple times a day for the first month to keep their lungs healthy after surgery.
