Common issues after sternotomy procedures:

Patients can purchase from here:

The importance of additional support during coughing and sneezing lies in the fact that these actions generate a sudden and significant increase in internal chest pressure. This heightened pressure puts immense strain on the breastbone from the inside, leading to pain and discomfort. It is crucial for patients to have a means to counteract this pressure, safeguarding their breastbone, reducing pain, and promoting a safe healing process for the wound.
QualiBreath, equipped with its integrated and easy-to-grasp bar handles, precisely serves this purpose, providing the necessary support during these actions.

QualiBreath is a unique, nurse-designed sternum support for patients who need heart surgery with opening of the breast bone (sternotomy).
It reduces potential complications and advances the recovery process to get patients home and back to normal life sooner.

QualiBreath is the only dual functional chest support.
It combines two key functions:

• constant reinforcement of the breast bone from the lateral sides
• integrated bar handles for coughing, sneezing, and straining

Constant protection and support:

The wound and breast bone are constantly protected by the elastic, firm, ventilated, and remarkably light material. QualiBreath is positioned high at the front on the chest, so the upper abdominal region is not covered, and the shoulder straps secure a correct position at all times.
QualiBreath has a left-sided, adjustable closure and the level of tension can be adjusted to be as tight as possible, while patients still feel comfortable and can breathe freely. Patients gain comfort and a better posture, which improves breathing and can help with clearing secretions from the lungs.

Pain control when coughing or sneezing:

A pair of bar handles are integrated in the QualiBreath material so patients can increase the surrounding tension to help control pain when needing to cough, sneeze or strain. Deep breathing with engagement of the diaphragm is not only crucial after surgery to avoid lung complications, deep breathing is also an important way to relieve stress. With less pain, a better posture, improved breathing and free hands, it is easier for patients to do the exercises that hospital staff will recommend for a speedy recovery after surgery.

Patients get in control of their recovery:

QualiBreath is placed directly on the patient's skin and is a constant “reminder” to protect the breast bone and wound. The handles are always ready to grasp directly or through clothing for more support when needed. QualiBreath is placed high at front on the chest. It can be pulled lower at the back if patients feel it sits too high in the armpits. AxillaPads are available to attach and fold over the upper border of QualiBreath. Have a look out our full range of accessories such as the QualiPad seatbelt protector and washing net for garment care.

QualiBreath is recommended to be used after all open heart surgeries or other interventions in the chest area that require a sternotomy.
It is highly recommended for patients in the the high risk group.
Patients that are considered to be in the high risk group for developing postoperative complications can be identified with the following risk factors and are recommended to wear QualiBreath immediately after surgery continuously for 6 to 8 weeks.Risk factors for sternal wound infection:

Increased risk factors in the postoperative period:
Atelectasis caused by anesthesia
Diaphragmatic dysfunction
Pain
Immobility
Ineffective cough
Neurological injury
IMA dissection
Inflammatory response to CPB
Low core temperature

1. Dual-functional external chest support
Constant lateral support on the sternum and patient-activated reinforcement handles during coughing, sneezing, pain.

2. Documented positive effect on patient’s entire recovery process
Improves sternal stability, pain relief, ease of breathing, comfort, patient function, ease of activities and exercise.

3. Decreases deep sternal wound infections
Documented effect of a firm, constant external support on the chest and sternum.

4. Keeps the lower lung lobes and the upper abdominal area free
Secures unrestricted deep respiration and increased comfort.

5. Supports the respiratory muscles and relieves pain
The firm, elastic material encourages deep breathing and coughing to clear the lungs of atelectasis and secretions.

6. Compliments the internal closure from the outside
Increases the potential for an optimal sternal alignment.

7. Unmatched comfort
Adjustable tension with the ability to loosen or tighten to near rigid state which increases compliance with usage in the hospital and at home.

8. Important adjunctive recovery treatment
Constant “reminder” to the patient that encourages mobilization and exercise of the upper limbs which increases blood supply and stimulates healing of the fractured sternum.

9. Important psychological aid to put the patient in control of his own recovery
Helps the patient to handle responsibility for sternum protection and wound care after discharge.

10. Decreases health care costs and gives a hospital significant return of investment
Prevents sternal infections, decreases postoperative pain and pulmonary complications.