While the method itself for compressing the chest and reducing pain from movement after open heart surgery is well-established, the medical device community is making strides towards improving on the designs of early sternum support devices. The commonly used fulcrum in the device is a grip or handle directly in the center of the sternum that allows patients to squeeze together with one hand while being active. However, new designs are making it easier for patients to use — particularly those who are too weak from the surgery to provide a strong grip on the device. With these new designs, an elastic bands system in both the front and back allows for greater ease of use with less reliance on grip strength on the part of the patient to provide ample compression on the sternum.

Regardless of the design, sternum support devices have become increasingly prevalent in recovering from open heart surgery, with patients and physicians alike agreeing that its simple, effective and non-medicinal approach is simply good medicine for getting patients back on their feet.