I work in the largest wound repair surgery in Beijing, and have led a team to treat more than 300 patients with wounds and sternum infections after cardiac surgery. In my experience, for patients with osteoporosis, the steel wire can easily cut the sternum. So, I removed as much of these wires as possible while doing the debridement.
Thanks for sharing. Which hospital in BJ do y work? I used to teach PhD doctoral students medical English and presentation skills at 301 n Navy hospitals
I had CABG and a mitral valve repair 2 1/2 years ago. Prior to the surgery, I was an avid weightlifter. Not for size necessarily, but more for being lean and toned. Post operatively, I resumed weightlifting after about 3 weeks (under Dr supervision). So, my sternum wires were very tight and could be seen under the skin. I experienced aching all of the time and had severe pain at times simply from the wires especially while weightlifting. Not really a complication, but rather I guess my chest nerves are super sensitive plus I don't have much fat, even at 56 years old! A week and a half ago I had the wires removed and got instant pain relief. So, in my case, wire removal resolved the sternum pain. Literally the same day I had them removed. If you're having pain from the wires, please see your surgeon for options appropriate for you. You do not have to live in chronic pain nor have to rely on pain killers. I had seven wires removed. One removal incision is about 2.5" long at the top and then five 1" incisions. He was able to get two of the wires from one incision. Went right over the old CABG scar. Very happy I did this!
I am filled with hope hearing that great strides are being made to keep from completely opening a chest for some heart surgeries, as 8 have already had two and am only 48 yrs old, and my cardiologist says there's a high likelihood I will need a third surgery. I have a sub aortic membrane that keeps coming back, it grows to the point of almost blocking my artery, and is extremely close to my valve. I ended up needing a bypass with my last surgery. I have huge amounts of pain in my chest, I believe most pain is from my sternal wires.
Hi Gina, Great to hear that this interview with Dr. Schaffer was helpful. Sorry to hear about your pain and your recurring sub-aortic membrane. Thoughts are with you!
Note to self: Sternal wire discussion begins at 3:00, process for removal begins at 9:35 (might be a little unnerving for the kiddo to hear about since it doesn't sound like a *gentle* process the way it's being described, but at least it's quick, as stated at 10:15-to10:34).
I wish I can replace my other valves without sternal open surgery. My last sternal wires had to be removed since they were hurting my skin! It was a simple procedure that gave me back my quality of life , without pain and perforating my skin. Since now only positive thoughts and wishing to find a good and brilliant physician like this one, dr. Schaffer, for my next surgeries.
@@westitis2580 had 4 wires removed on Monday back home on Wednesday. Metal staples used to seal wound. Nurse coming today to change dressing starts to remove staples next week bit of bleeding due to coughing and sneezing otherwise feeling good.
I had an lvad from 26-34 my sternum took a year to feel normal. After transplant 2 months later felt completely healed. Thanks for what you do. Had my surgerys at university of Michigan
My papa had an aortic aneurysm years ago. He had surgery on it and all was fine. But apparently it was one of the bigger aneurysms that the doctor had seen. We’re so lucky that it was caught before it burst. My dad is now routinely examined for aortic aneurysms every year (or when he remembers) and thankfully he doesn’t have one.
I had a mechanical valve placed into the aortic position and it was later (20 yrs) removed due to scar tissue, replaced with bovine type and also a necessary an aneurysm repair. Two sternum wire sets in the two surgeries. I do feel some odd bone formations at the lower part of the rib cage but other that that ok. Nobody ever said anything about avoiding MRIs. Good thing is when this valve gives out, TAVR is the procedure according to the doctor. Off Coumadin thank god...just two baby aspirins a day
I had a primary bio tricuspid valve replacement with a full open heart surgery 1.5 years ago. I can feel the wires stick my chest. Will that go away? Also they left the temporary pacemaker wires in and cut flush with my skin, I was shocked at that. Those have been known to migrate to other parts of my body. Can those be removed after all this time? Thank you for your informative video and time in reviewing my questions.
I just had temporary pacer wires removed after 2 years of fighting infection at the surgical site of a 4X CABG. The surgery left gaping holes in my chest that I am currently wearing a wound vac to heal. I have no idea why they left the wires in the first place, but I have them now and will address my original surgeon as soon as I am healthy enough.
@@Castejv my uncle was in for open heart in march 2004 and my dad died march 18th 2004 he showed me his scar at his own brothers funeral aint that fucked up but its wat it is
Will it normally hurt to breathe about 5 weeks after surgery or is that a sign the wires or sternum are misaligned? I was breathing better before, and have seen a decline in my breathing ability, so I believe there is a problem with the wires. What are my options?
Had CABG in may 2019. My chest is in pain every day. I get no relief. I feel like there is a vice in my chest crushing my chest. Have been back to heart doctor, surgeon, and pain management doctor. Nobody knows what’s wrong with me. Help!
Hi Janie, I am going through the same thing after my surgery 3 months ago. My doctors don't know what is wrong, nor does the cardiothoracic surgeon I seen for a second opinion. I don't know if you will see this but I'd love to know if you have had you problem resolved.
@@janiegiordano9295 I have no clue what could be wrong, but I can tell you the herb kratom will relieve the pain. You get the red strain. It's a dried leaf ground ih nto a powder and put in capsules. Its sold at smoke shops, maybe CBD shops..... but it works. I've used it on and off for 3 years myself.
@@deborahdean8867 Welcome. Please respond to my message. I had open heart surgery on four arteries. The pain has been going on for seven months. I have a one centimeter advance in my sternum. Is it the cause of the pain or not? Is the cause muscular? I don’t know what to do. I am thinking of committing suicide. I am 54 years old. Please respond to my message. She advises me to drink kratom herb.
I had rib pain on both sides after getting a triple by-pass. It took about 9 months before the pain went away. Maybe the wires were closed together too tightly?
I had heart valve replacement in 2020 and of course I have the chest wires they put those in when I was 90 pounds I now weigh 140. I have had extreme tightness going on in my chest that no one seems to know why. Can your chest wires be tight because they were put in when I was 90 pounds and the weight gain caused the tightness??
Great question! You raise a really important question. Unfortunately, as a patient advisory group, we are not trained or capable of providing medical advice. That said, we would strongly encourage you to discuss this question with your medical team. If you are not getting information that you are comfortable with then perhaps you should get a second opinion. We are sorry that we cannot be of more help to you in this situation!
January of 2022 I had three bypasses and aortic valve installed (on-x) stayed home twelve weeks before returning to work (HVAC technician) in August while working felt a pop in my sternum, waited a month and reported to cardiologist I think my sternum is loose and able to move independently, X-ray showed wires had broken and sternum had come apart January 2023 had surgery where they used titanium plates but no wires (I feel they didn’t read the directions lol, because that lasted a week and that was just from getting out of bed, x-ray showed that most of the screws had pulled out and were in a pile at the bottom they called it hardware failure, third surgery February 2023 new improved plates with a attached wire and added additional wires To secure any lateral movement Went back to work after eighteen weeks lite duty with apprentice help on the heavy work, a year later my chest feels healed and normal thank goodness
Thank you for the video I from Toledo Ohio, Dr Daniel De bardino. St Vincent's medical center.. did my surgery.. I'm recovering well, so my sternum can be healed within six weeks the bones are thank you, you've really motivated me and helped me thank you very much sir 💙💯✝️
Hi Snow, Great question! We would encourage you to contact your medical team to get the answer. Sorry, we do not have information about wired stainless steel in the cheek area.
There are many reasons for open heart surgery to occur - concomitant disease, safety for one type of procedure versus another, government approval, durability, etc. We would encourage you to discuss the pros and cons of surgical and transcatheter approaches with your medical team.
Looks like my sternum never healed probably. Pops and loud clicks when I raise my left arm or lift things. Not getting anywhere with my surgeon. My cardiologist told me to call the surgeon and that was 18 month ago. Since then the pain and popping is worse. I don’t know what to do
I always write an email to document my concerns with my surgeon. She not s good patient doctor either. I do this do there’s a document Trail of this. My entire left upper body from my arms to my shoulders, shoulder blades, collarbone, left frontal are stiff out of wack if it becomes worse and she fail to address these, I plan to find lawyers to sue her and the hospital.
@@smilinmikeusa Thanks for the reply. I'm having my aortic valve replaced on the 22nd this month so I've been doing research, trying to find the best course of action. It keeps me calm. Such a weird feeling knowing in 20 days I'm basically gonna get hit bu a truck. I will say though that I find for every bad story there are dozens of happy patients. Good luck in your continued recovery!
@@1985cjjeeper Make sure and do the breathing exercises and follow the weight limits, I had a bad cough after a week and my chest wires broke after 6 months had to have surgery again to replace wires and add titanium plates across sternum, a year later now feels healed and normal
@@gregz4249 That's great news. I'm at the hospital now about to have a CT scan and some pre op testing before my surgery Monday. I will take those recommendations seriously, thanks. I've already had some people tell me not to do to much to soon and it makes sense.
My wires broke and are floating around inside my chest. I now have a 1 cm gap down the entire length of my sternum .I have been suffering about 14 months and I am still waiting for surgery.
This could be one of the funniest comments we have ever seen. Yes, Dr. Schaffer is quite young looking. But, we can assure you, he is a highly skilled and experienced cardiac surgeon!!
I work in the largest wound repair surgery in Beijing, and have led a team to treat more than 300 patients with wounds and sternum infections after cardiac surgery. In my experience, for patients with osteoporosis, the steel wire can easily cut the sternum. So, I removed as much of these wires as possible while doing the debridement.
Thanks for sharing. Which hospital in BJ do y work? I used to teach PhD doctoral students medical English and presentation skills at 301 n Navy hospitals
How much does it cost to remove the sternum wire and how long I have to be in hospital.
@@dilse1229where you able to get the price
. M
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!
I had CABG and a mitral valve repair 2 1/2 years ago. Prior to the surgery, I was an avid weightlifter. Not for size necessarily, but more for being lean and toned. Post operatively, I resumed weightlifting after about 3 weeks (under Dr supervision). So, my sternum wires were very tight and could be seen under the skin. I experienced aching all of the time and had severe pain at times simply from the wires especially while weightlifting. Not really a complication, but rather I guess my chest nerves are super sensitive plus I don't have much fat, even at 56 years old! A week and a half ago I had the wires removed and got instant pain relief. So, in my case, wire removal resolved the sternum pain. Literally the same day I had them removed. If you're having pain from the wires, please see your surgeon for options appropriate for you. You do not have to live in chronic pain nor have to rely on pain killers. I had seven wires removed. One removal incision is about 2.5" long at the top and then five 1" incisions. He was able to get two of the wires from one incision. Went right over the old CABG scar. Very happy I did this!
Thanks for sharing your story with all of us!
I am filled with hope hearing that great strides are being made to keep from completely opening a chest for some heart surgeries, as 8 have already had two and am only 48 yrs old, and my cardiologist says there's a high likelihood I will need a third surgery. I have a sub aortic membrane that keeps coming back, it grows to the point of almost blocking my artery, and is extremely close to my valve. I ended up needing a bypass with my last surgery. I have huge amounts of pain in my chest, I believe most pain is from my sternal wires.
Hi Gina, Great to hear that this interview with Dr. Schaffer was helpful. Sorry to hear about your pain and your recurring sub-aortic membrane. Thoughts are with you!
Note to self: Sternal wire discussion begins at 3:00, process for removal begins at 9:35 (might be a little unnerving for the kiddo to hear about since it doesn't sound like a *gentle* process the way it's being described, but at least it's quick, as stated at 10:15-to10:34).
Thanks for sharing the timestamps of the video!
I wish I can replace my other valves without sternal open surgery. My last sternal wires had to be removed since they were hurting my skin! It was a simple procedure that gave me back my quality of life , without pain and perforating my skin. Since now only positive thoughts and wishing to find a good and brilliant physician like this one, dr. Schaffer, for my next surgeries.
How was the wire removal? I am having mine removed
@@westitis2580 had 4 wires removed on Monday back home on Wednesday. Metal staples used to seal wound. Nurse coming today to change dressing starts to remove staples next week bit of bleeding due to coughing and sneezing otherwise feeling good.
@@joeheaton4927 how was the surgery
Pretty straight forward was only in theatre less than an hour no problems.
los angeles don’t worry it’s a simple and quickly procedure. No pain, after the removal. Be confident and good luck.
I had an lvad from 26-34 my sternum took a year to feel normal. After transplant 2 months later felt completely healed. Thanks for what you do. Had my surgerys at university of Michigan
I had bypass surgery done at McLaren in flint almost 4 months ago and my sternum still hurts even though I was told it should be completely healed
Wow. Mine doesn't hurt and it has been 4 weeks.@@wadegrimes3655
Great to hear you are feeling better. Go Blue!
My papa had an aortic aneurysm years ago. He had surgery on it and all was fine. But apparently it was one of the bigger aneurysms that the doctor had seen. We’re so lucky that it was caught before it burst. My dad is now routinely examined for aortic aneurysms every year (or when he remembers) and thankfully he doesn’t have one.
Phew! Glad to hear the big aneurysm was fixed.
I had a mechanical valve placed into the aortic position and it was later (20 yrs) removed due to scar tissue, replaced with bovine type and also a necessary an aneurysm repair. Two sternum wire sets in the two surgeries. I do feel some odd bone formations at the lower part of the rib cage but other that that ok. Nobody ever said anything about avoiding MRIs. Good thing is when this valve gives out, TAVR is the procedure according to the doctor. Off Coumadin thank god...just two baby aspirins a day
Yes, sounds like a TAVR may be in your future (with no broken sternum).
I had a primary bio tricuspid valve replacement with a full open heart surgery 1.5 years ago. I can feel the wires stick my chest. Will that go away? Also they left the temporary pacemaker wires in and cut flush with my skin, I was shocked at that. Those have been known to migrate to other parts of my body. Can those be removed after all this time? Thank you for your informative video and time in reviewing my questions.
I just had temporary pacer wires removed after 2 years of fighting infection at the surgical site of a 4X CABG. The surgery left gaping holes in my chest that I am currently wearing a wound vac to heal. I have no idea why they left the wires in the first place, but I have them now and will address my original surgeon as soon as I am healthy enough.
Good questions. We would encourage you to discuss this with your medical team.
Thank you very much, this video was very helpful !
Glad it was helpful!
This was helpful. Thank you both!
Great!
Thank you so much for info, I’m actually getting my wires removed this coming Wednesday.
Melba, how went your wire removal. I just had open heart surgery. Thank you
@@Castejv hope ur both duing good if ya fancy some light cheese terminators is on here asylum pic its a laugh
Ull b fine
@@Castejv my uncle was in for open heart in march 2004 and my dad died march 18th 2004 he showed me his scar at his own brothers funeral aint that fucked up but its wat it is
Hope you feeling better now. I will have sternal wire remove January next year. I’m so nervous 😟
Will it normally hurt to breathe about 5 weeks after surgery or is that a sign the wires or sternum are misaligned? I was breathing better before, and have seen a decline in my breathing ability, so I believe there is a problem with the wires. What are my options?
Why would you not ask your doctor something like this?
If you are struggling with pain when breathing, or any complication, we encourage you to see your medical team.
Had CABG in may 2019. My chest is in pain every day. I get no relief. I feel like there is a vice in my chest crushing my chest. Have been back to heart doctor, surgeon, and pain management doctor. Nobody knows what’s wrong with me. Help!
Hi Janie, Sorry to hear what you are going through. Have you sought a second opinion?
Hi Janie, I am going through the same thing after my surgery 3 months ago. My doctors don't know what is wrong, nor does the cardiothoracic surgeon I seen for a second opinion. I don't know if you will see this but I'd love to know if you have had you problem resolved.
@@ericstevens789 no still going through same pain everyday. Been back to doctors several times. Nobody knows what is going on.
@@janiegiordano9295 I have no clue what could be wrong, but I can tell you the herb kratom will relieve the pain. You get the red strain. It's a dried leaf ground ih nto a powder and put in capsules. Its sold at smoke shops, maybe CBD shops..... but it works. I've used it on and off for 3 years myself.
@@deborahdean8867 Welcome. Please respond to my message. I had open heart surgery on four arteries. The pain has been going on for seven months. I have a one centimeter advance in my sternum. Is it the cause of the pain or not? Is the cause muscular? I don’t know what to do. I am thinking of committing suicide. I am 54 years old. Please respond to my message. She advises me to drink kratom herb.
I had rib pain on both sides after getting a triple by-pass. It took about 9 months before the pain went away. Maybe the wires were closed together too tightly?
Doubt it..the wires are only tightened to the point where Both sides are touching each other, of the sternum, so over tightening cannot be possible.
Maybe. Great to hear you are doing better now!
I had heart valve replacement in 2020 and of course I have the chest wires they put those in when I was 90 pounds I now weigh 140. I have had extreme tightness going on in my chest that no one seems to know why. Can your chest wires be tight because they were put in when I was 90 pounds and the weight gain caused the tightness??
We would encourage you to discuss this with your doctor Dez.
is the metal used the same as they use in dental inplants?
Interesting question. We don't know.
Can I do bench press with these sternal wire?
Great question!
You raise a really important question. Unfortunately, as a patient advisory group, we are not trained or capable of providing medical advice. That said, we would strongly encourage you to discuss this question with your medical team. If you are not getting information that you are comfortable with then perhaps you should get a second opinion.
We are sorry that we cannot be of more help to you in this situation!
January of 2022 I had three bypasses and aortic valve installed (on-x) stayed home twelve weeks before returning to work (HVAC technician) in August while working felt a pop in my sternum, waited a month and reported to cardiologist I think my sternum is loose and able to move independently, X-ray showed wires had broken and sternum had come apart January 2023 had surgery where they used titanium plates but no wires (I feel they didn’t read the directions lol, because that lasted a week and that was just from getting out of bed, x-ray showed that most of the screws had pulled out and were in a pile at the bottom they called it hardware failure, third surgery February 2023 new improved plates with a attached wire and added additional wires
To secure any lateral movement
Went back to work after eighteen weeks lite duty with apprentice help on the heavy work, a year later my chest feels healed and normal thank goodness
@gregz4249 thats great man keep it up
Of course! Obviously wait 12 weeks after surgery....
Good explanations, thank you so much.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the video I from Toledo Ohio, Dr Daniel De bardino. St Vincent's medical center.. did my surgery.. I'm recovering well, so my sternum can be healed within six weeks the bones are thank you, you've really motivated me and helped me thank you very much sir 💙💯✝️
Great to hear!
is it safe to take mri when i have wired stainless steel in cheek area? ( cheek reduction surgery done 20 years ago)
Hi Snow, Great question! We would encourage you to contact your medical team to get the answer. Sorry, we do not have information about wired stainless steel in the cheek area.
In todays new and successful methods of Heart problem correction, what issues still mandate Open Heart surgery
Mitral valve repair and maze procedure that I had in Oct 23'
I'm sure there are many more....
There are many reasons for open heart surgery to occur - concomitant disease, safety for one type of procedure versus another, government approval, durability, etc. We would encourage you to discuss the pros and cons of surgical and transcatheter approaches with your medical team.
Thank you for this video.
Our pleasure. Great to hear you enjoyed the video!
Looks like my sternum never healed probably. Pops and loud clicks when I raise my left arm or lift things. Not getting anywhere with my surgeon. My cardiologist told me to call the surgeon and that was 18 month ago. Since then the pain and popping is worse. I don’t know what to do
I had popping and clicks before my surgery. We’ll see what happens when I heal up.
I always write an email to document my concerns with my surgeon. She not s good patient doctor either. I do this do there’s a document Trail of this. My entire left upper body from my arms to my shoulders, shoulder blades, collarbone, left frontal are stiff out of wack if it becomes worse and she fail to address these, I plan to find lawyers to sue her and the hospital.
Wonderful to hear the video helped you!
Just had open heart surgery five days ago. After a hard day of coughing I can feel the bones shifting making a crunching sound . Is that normal?
Did you heal up?
@@1985cjjeeper yes. If I take a really deep breath I can feel some movement but it is healing.
@@smilinmikeusa
Thanks for the reply. I'm having my aortic valve replaced on the 22nd this month so I've been doing research, trying to find the best course of action. It keeps me calm. Such a weird feeling knowing in 20 days I'm basically gonna get hit bu a truck. I will say though that I find for every bad story there are dozens of happy patients. Good luck in your continued recovery!
@@1985cjjeeper
Make sure and do the breathing exercises and follow the weight limits, I had a bad cough after a week and my chest wires broke after 6 months had to have surgery again to replace wires and add titanium plates across sternum, a year later now feels healed and normal
@@gregz4249
That's great news. I'm at the hospital now about to have a CT scan and some pre op testing before my surgery Monday. I will take those recommendations seriously, thanks. I've already had some people tell me not to do to much to soon and it makes sense.
Thank you Deborah dean
Great, thanks!
does your sternum after open heart surgery supposed to move like pop and snap 5 months after
I have had 2 heart surgeries and my chest pops and cracks like rice crispies! My last surgery was almost 5 yrs ago and I still pop and crack
@@ginarose8634 God how did you get used that ?
Mine does and it’s extremely painful
Curious... How is your sternum doing now?
A shame they can't use a material that can be gradually absorbed by the body.
Interesting idea. Here is a new approach for sternum stability and healing - th-cam.com/video/xPWbgkakb-8/w-d-xo.html.
I feel movement in my chest whenever I cough or sneeze but I have been assured this movement is normal.
I dont have that, movement does not sound good to me :(
same here you would think after a year it would be solid again
We would encourage you to contact your medical team if you are feeling abnormal movement of your sternum after surgery.
Great explanations
We agree. Dr. Schaffer was very helpful during this interview!
My wires broke and are floating around inside my chest. I now have a 1 cm gap down the entire length of my sternum .I have been suffering about 14 months and I am still waiting for surgery.
Hi Jim, Sorry to hear about this. Why has there been such a delay in getting your wires removed?
I’m so sorry to hear. Hope it’s now taken care of and that all you pain have subsided.
Did you get it fixed?
What the heck? Does Texas let kids do surgery starting in kindergarten?
How else can Dr Handsome have done 3000 heart procedures???
This could be one of the funniest comments we have ever seen. Yes, Dr. Schaffer is quite young looking. But, we can assure you, he is a highly skilled and experienced cardiac surgeon!!
You guys should interview Dr John Brown of IU Health. He was my surgeon.
Funny. We just spoke to Dr. John Brown at IU Health a few months ago. Seems like an extraordinary surgeon!
Had mri 6 weeks post surgery...all was good... .no overheating!😂
Great!
i have a wire thet is lose and pushing up on my skin
what did you do
@@davidpearlactorteacherbizman nothing that I'm aware of coughed
I do to
Me too
Did the wire finally push thru the skin
?