"On-Q" medication for myectomies

[pmurphy]

During Caitlyn's myectomy surgery recently the surgeon used a pain management system called "On-Q" in which two catheders were inserted next to the incision which continuously dispense a non-narcotic like xylocaine to the area for about 5 days. The medication container is a tennis ball sized thingamajig that is carried in a pouch near the hip area and it deflates as the medication is dispensed.

I don't know if this is a brand new thing or not, and I have no other first hand experiences with myectomies, but Caitlyn did not have as much pain those first days as I would've expected, so I think the "On-Q" was at least of some limited value. If you want to see a more detailed description of the device go to the company's website at: www.iflo.com

I was just curious if this is a standard for open heart surgery these days...

Thanks for all the kind words of support and encouragement for Caitlyn; she is still doing well. Some beautiful pre-Spring weather in Atlanta is helping make is easy to go for walks, etc.

Paul

[LynnS]

Hi Paul,

I've not heard of this pain med system either but it's possible it's been used and just hasn't hit everywhere yet. I'm seeing if I can find out more about it as I'm curious as well!

Hope Caitlyn continues to do well!!
Best Wishes,
Lynn

[LynnS]

Hello again,

I spoke with a very close friend of mine who is a cardiac intensive care nurse and she was elated to see that this type of pain management was used for cardiac surgery. She indicated it has been widely and successfully used for orthopedic surgery and makes great sense to use it for open heart surgery as 'bone' pain can be very uncomfortable no matter what part of the body is impacted. I hope that we will see it used more extensively in other facilities as well!

Thanks,
Lynn