film helps w/ scarring

[Lynlw]

here is a link to a new product in trial that can possible be a big help in preventing heart adhering to sternums (like Justin's did , I wish we had it last year ) so could be a big help for those needing mulitple surgeries

"A bioabsorbable film that aims to stop a by-product of open heart surgery, where the heart becomes attached to the sternum due to scar tissue buildup, has moved one step closer to getting on the U.S. market."



http://www.redherring.com/Article.a...eart+&sector=Industries&subsector=Biosciences

Lyn

 

[Phyllis]

Thanks for posting this, Lyn. I hope it gets approved soon!

 

[Kathleen]

Very interesting article. I had some form of teflon material after my second surgery 21 years ago. My heart had grown to the backbones to and freeing it up was tough since I started to bleed out. Certainly added to the on pump time before the double replacement. The teflon and adhesions did calcify through the years and the pericardium and teflon material needed removal. Wish I could have it on my heart now since I can feel those adhesions growing daily.
Kathleen

 

[geebee]

Very interesting article. I had some form of teflon material after my second surgery 21 years ago. My heart had grown to the backbones to and freeing it up was tough since I started to bleed out. Certainly added to the on pump time before the double replacement. The teflon and adhesions did calcify through the years and the pericardium and teflon material needed removal. Wish I could have it on my heart now since I can feel those adhesions growing daily.
Kathleen

Kathleen,
Just curious - what type of symptoms do you have when you say you feel the adhesions growing?

 

[Bionic Man]

I hope that gets used

I hope that gets used

I think I was experiencing something like that in my day-after recovery. I was feeling wierd feelings except I thought my lung was stuck on my heart or the other way around. I know they use surgical glue on the sutures and was worried some of the left-over had gotten me gummed up inside. I was feeling pretty crappy until my doctor put me on an anti-inflamatory. It worked wonders and I felt much better within hours but it took weeks to feel totally "unstuck". Even today I anticipate the sensation when I take a deep breath but it doesn't come I guess it affected me psychologically enough that it still haunts me a bit.

Anyway, let's hope this new gizmo works!