Many in stock
Chest binder
After open-heart surgery , the breastbone (sternum) is split to give access to the heart. At the end of surgery, the bone is wired shut, but it still takes 6–8 weeks (sometimes up to 12) to heal fully.
A post-surgical chest brace — sometimes called a sternal support vest, sternum binder, or post-thoracic surgery brace — is worn to :
Support the sternum during healing
Reduce pain from movement
Prevent strain on the chest incision
Encourage safe breathing and coughing
Main Purposes
1. Stabilization of the sternum
Keeps the two halves of the sternum aligned so they can fuse properly.
Reduces the risk of sternal dehiscence (bone separation).
2. Pain reduction
Compresses the area gently, making movements like coughing, sneezing, or laughing less painful.
3. Support during breathing exercises
Patients are often told to hug a heart pillow or press on the brace when coughing or using an incentive spirometer to expand the lungs.
4. Improved mobility and confidence
Allows the patient to move, walk, and perform light activities without feeling like the chest is “pulling apart.”
Common Features
Adjustable elastic or Velcro straps for a snug fit.
( one size )
Rigid or semi-rigid front panel over the sternum.
Breathable, soft materials to avoid skin irritation.
have front handles so the patient can push against them during a cough.
Typical Instructions After Surgery
Worn most of the day for the first weeks (removed for bathing unless otherwise instructed).
Used especially when walking, climbing stairs, coughing, or lifting light objects.
Avoid heavy lifting (>2–5 kg / 5–10 lbs) during healing.
Combined with “sternal precautions”, such as:
No pushing or pulling with arms
Avoiding lifting arms overhead simultaneously
No reaching behind your back with both arms
Benefits
Faster, more confident return to daily activity .
Reduced wound complications .
Better pain control without as much reliance on opioids .
Supports good posture and prevents shoulder hunching .
After open-heart surgery , the breastbone (sternum) is split to give access to the heart. At the end of surgery, the bone is wired shut, but it still takes 6–8 weeks (sometimes up to 12) to heal fully.
A post-surgical chest brace — sometimes called a sternal support vest, sternum binder, or post-thoracic surgery brace — is worn to :
Support the sternum during healing
Reduce pain from movement
Prevent strain on the chest incision
Encourage safe breathing and coughing
Main Purposes
1. Stabilization of the sternum
Keeps the two halves of the sternum aligned so they can fuse properly.
Reduces the risk of sternal dehiscence (bone separation).
2. Pain reduction
Compresses the area gently, making movements like coughing, sneezing, or laughing less painful.
3. Support during breathing exercises
Patients are often told to hug a heart pillow or press on the brace when coughing or using an incentive spirometer to expand the lungs.
4. Improved mobility and confidence
Allows the patient to move, walk, and perform light activities without feeling like the chest is “pulling apart.”
Common Features
Adjustable elastic or Velcro straps for a snug fit.
( one size )
Rigid or semi-rigid front panel over the sternum.
Breathable, soft materials to avoid skin irritation.
have front handles so the patient can push against them during a cough.
Typical Instructions After Surgery
Worn most of the day for the first weeks (removed for bathing unless otherwise instructed).
Used especially when walking, climbing stairs, coughing, or lifting light objects.
Avoid heavy lifting (>2–5 kg / 5–10 lbs) during healing.
Combined with “sternal precautions”, such as:
No pushing or pulling with arms
Avoiding lifting arms overhead simultaneously
No reaching behind your back with both arms
Benefits
Faster, more confident return to daily activity .
Reduced wound complications .
Better pain control without as much reliance on opioids .
Supports good posture and prevents shoulder hunching .
After open-heart surgery , the breastbone (sternum) is split to give access to the heart. At the end of surgery, the bone is wired shut, but it still takes 6–8 weeks (sometimes up to 12) to heal fully.
A post-surgical chest brace — sometimes called a sternal support vest, sternum binder, or post-thoracic surgery brace — is worn to :
Support the sternum during healing
Reduce pain from movement
Prevent strain on the chest incision
Encourage safe breathing and coughing
Main Purposes
1. Stabilization of the sternum
Keeps the two halves of the sternum aligned so they can fuse properly.
Reduces the risk of sternal dehiscence (bone separation).
2. Pain reduction
Compresses the area gently, making movements like coughing, sneezing, or laughing less painful.
3. Support during breathing exercises
Patients are often told to hug a heart pillow or press on the brace when coughing or using an incentive spirometer to expand the lungs.
4. Improved mobility and confidence
Allows the patient to move, walk, and perform light activities without feeling like the chest is “pulling apart.”
Common Features
Adjustable elastic or Velcro straps for a snug fit.
( one size )
Rigid or semi-rigid front panel over the sternum.
Breathable, soft materials to avoid skin irritation.
have front handles so the patient can push against them during a cough.
Typical Instructions After Surgery
Worn most of the day for the first weeks (removed for bathing unless otherwise instructed).
Used especially when walking, climbing stairs, coughing, or lifting light objects.
Avoid heavy lifting (>2–5 kg / 5–10 lbs) during healing.
Combined with “sternal precautions”, such as:
No pushing or pulling with arms
Avoiding lifting arms overhead simultaneously
No reaching behind your back with both arms
Benefits
Faster, more confident return to daily activity .
Reduced wound complications .
Better pain control without as much reliance on opioids .
Supports good posture and prevents shoulder hunching .