Why hospitals should definitely consider an external chest support for open heart surgery patients

With the ever growing number of patients in the high risk group there is a serious need to prevent postoperative complications. 
It is generally acknowledged and documented that patients that are at risk of developing postoperative complications in the sternum following open heart surgery present one or more of the following risk factors:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Macromastia (Large breast size)
• Current smokers
• Chronic cough
• Osteoporosis
• Preoperative renal failure
• Previous miocardial infarction
• Use of bi-lateral mammary arteries for CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft)

Furthermore, other risk factors may lead to pulmonary infections and or persistent pain after the surgery. 

Here is a brief infographic on why external chest supports are needed and how QualiBreath Sternum & Thorax Support can help.

For a complete list of references please refer to the white paper pubblication "Evaluation of external chest supports based on the entire recovery process in and out of the hospital to avoid offset costs of long term complications and medications".

What is your opinion on postoperative complications following sternotomies and open heart surgery? Are you a patient? a surgeon or nurse?
Let us know your experience in the comments below.