Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) after open heart surgery.

Open heart surgery is associated with postoperative sternal pain, which is exacerbated by cough, deep breathing and movement, thus limiting the physical activity of the patient. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was administered to 40 patients suffering from persistent chest pain immediately following open heart surgery, and to ten other patients complaining of pain between three and eight weeks after operation. The efficacy of TENS was assessed by the subjective recordings, analgesic drug requirement, capability to carry out deep inspirations with an "Incentive Deep Breathing Exerciser" apparatus, and repeated chest X-ray examinations. We conclude that TENS is a useful method of pain control and should be used more frequently in patients after open heart surgery, especially in the older patient and in patients with chronic lung disease.