User Manual
PRO Sternum Support Vest
User Manual for POSTHORAX® PRO Sternum Support Vest
For patients having undergone sternotomy
Step 1: Determine the correct size Important: Measure directly below armpit level. (pic. 1)
Pic1
Please specify Ladies or Gentlemen. Ergonomically shaped support cushions create even distribution of pressure.
Step 2: Make your size selection
Use the size chart to determine the correct size.
Ladies or Gentlemen
- S (Small) 50-70 cm / 19-27 inches
- M (Medium) 70-90 cm / 27-35 inches
- L (Large) 90-120 cm / 35-47 inches
- XL (X-Large) 120-150 cm / 47-60 inches
- XXL (XX-Large) 150-210 cm / 60-82 inches
For the following measurements we recommend selecting the next size down: 70-73 / 90-93 / 120-123 / 150-153 cm.
Open front buckle- and Velcro closures and one shoulder- strap. Make sure support cushions are inserted correctly with the WIDER end marked “top” on TOP. Caution: if the cushions are "Upside down", the pressure is not evenly distributed and can cause pain and leads to uneven force distribution.
Slide the closed shoulder-strap up along one arm and place on shoulder. Bring the vest around the back and then bring the front part with open strap forward, directly under the armpit. Fasten shoulder-strap in a loose position.
Step 3: Close front buckle (pic. 2) and Velcro closure (pic. 3)
Pic 2
Pic 3
Cushions should sit parallel to the left and right along the sternum.
Step 4: Pull back of the vest down until upper rim of back part runs just below the shoulder-blades (pic. 4)
Pic 4
This brings the front part into correct position.
Step 5: Adjust the side straps
Have patient take a deep breath, open both upper side straps and tighten until the attached rubber loops have reached full extension. Fasten side straps in that position using the Velcro strip. Have the patient exhale. (pic. 5)
Pic 5
Step 6: (pic. 6) Have the patient take another deep breath. Open and tighten both lower side straps the same way.
Pic 6
Pic.7a shows breathing mechanism in basic position.
Pic.7b shows maximum extension of breathing mechanism.
The breathing mechanism / hyperextension stop (Pic 7a&b) allows normal breathing, while preventing overextension of the thorax.
Step 7: (pic. 8) Adjust each shoulder-strap separately, pulling it just enough, for the support cushion to exert a light frontal pressure onto the body, stabilising upper sternum.
Pic 8a Adjust right shoulder strap until patient feels a slight pressure
Pic 8b Adjust left shoulder strap until patient feels a slight pressure
To ensure precise external stabilisation, verify the correct fit of the vest:
- Support vest has a snug and compact fit.
- Breathing mechanism in light basic tension.
- Back part runs right below shoulder blades.
- Support cushions located on both sides of sternum, exerting a light frontal pressure towards chest.
- Wound visible in centre.
- Breathing mechanism balancing any mechanical pressure!
IF THE BACK OF THE SUPPORT VEST SLIDES UP, TUG IT DOWN JUST BELOW THE SHOULDER BLADES. (DO NOT TIGHTEN THE SHOULDER-STRAPS!) ONCE THE VEST IS CORRECTLY FITTED, ONLY USE FRONT BUCKLE AND VELCRO TO OPEN AND CLOSE.
Please consult your medical physician for any medical advice or issue.
For best results we recommend watching our APPLICATION VIDEO: www.posthorax.com/video
Accessory Ladies Support Bra
Inserting the support bra into the ladies support vest: (see homepage/video):
- Open buckle and Velcro closures at the front of the vest.
- Detach both support cushions.
- Attach the support bra with the Velcro strips to the inside of both front parts of the vest.
- Now reattach support cushions with the wider part marked “top” at the top.
- Press the support cushion firmly against the Velcro.
- The support bra is now attached between inner front parts and support cushions.
- The combination is complete: Ladies support vest + support bra.
Made in Austria. Patented design, European Patent 1940330
Single patient product Do not wash above 70° C / 160° F
