Home / You Matter / Post Go Back Nurses sew special pillows for open-heart surgery patients Katie S., a registered nurse with Salem Hospital’s cardiovascular care unit, is part of a group of nurses, family and friends who sew heart-shaped pillows for patients recovering from open-heart surgery. The pillows help patients avoid putting stress on their healing sternums — sometimes for months after surgery. “They have to use the heart pillow to splint their broken bone,” says Katie. The hospital sometimes has three open-heart surgeries a day, which can cause periodic pillow shortages. That’s why hospital staffers decided to help. Community members can help, too. If you’re interested in sewing heart pillows and would like a copy of the pattern, call Salem Health volunteer services at 503-814-1792. Aging and older adults Cancer care Careers Child health Classes and events Emergency and urgent care Exercise Foundation Heart health Hospital news Lung cancer Men's Health Mental health Nutrition Our community Patient stories Pregnancy and childbirth Primary care Rehabilitation Sleep Spine Center Volunteers Weight loss Wellness Women's health