Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the results of using a sternum support belt in patients after mitral valve replacement surgery through the median sternotomy approach.
Method: A descriptive study was conducted on patients who used a sternum fixation belt after undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery via median sternotomy from 2022 to 2023 at the Cardiovascular Surgery Unit – Institute of Cardiology – Bach Mai Hospital.
Results: From October 2022 to October 2023, 40 patients were randomly divided into two groups: one group (A) did not use the sternum support belt, and the other group (B) did. The study showed a significant improvement in pain reduction after surgery in group B compared to group A.
Discussion: The use of a sternum support belt is a simple, cost-effective, and easy-to-implement measure that provides significant positive effects in reducing post-surgical pain, thereby improving treatment outcomes and the quality of life for patients.