Eliminating Sternal Precautions Through a Pain-Guided Recovery Protocol After Cardiac Surgery

Rawn Salenger, MD (Baltimore, MD), presents outcomes from the first 1000 cardiac surgery patients managed without traditional sternal precautions using a “Let Pain Be Your Guide” recovery protocol. Dr. Salenger reviews his early clinical data comparing this approach to standard sternal restrictions, highlighting patient mobility, discharge outcomes, and wound complication rates. He also discusses the role of secure sternal closure using FiberTape® sternal closure as part of an enhanced recovery program that may support postoperative movement.